At least 12 people have died and 54 others were injured in wildfires sweeping northeastern Algeria, authorities said Wednesday, as strong winds made it harder for firefighters to contain the blazes.
Interior Minister Said Sayoud said five people were killed in Jijel, four in Bejaia and three in Tizi Ouzou. Six of the injured were in serious condition, he said.
Authorities evacuated residents from parts of Bejaia and Jijel as firefighters battled 69 active fires by Wednesday evening, according to Algeria’s Civil Protection agency.
Strong winds have been driving the flames, while several major highways in the east were closed because of the fires.
The latest disaster adds to Algeria’s recurring summer wildfire problem. More than 30 people were killed in July 2023 when fires swept through forests, farmland and homes around Bejaia.
Officials have also linked the growing threat to hotter and drier conditions. Algeria recorded nearly 2,000 fires nationwide in July 2026, according to the authorities.
Interior and Health Minister officials travelled to Bejaia to assess firefighting efforts and the condition of those injured as emergency teams continued working to contain the fires.
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