Tipaza, Algeria – Four individuals have been placed in provisional detention in connection with a series of forest fires that recently ravaged several regions of Algeria, including areas within the Tipaza province. The announcement was made by the Public Prosecutor’s Office at the National Penal Pole for Counter-Terrorism and Transnational Organized Crime, located within the Sidi M’hamed Court.
The arrests stem from investigations into the wildfires that occurred on November 13th and 14th, impacting numerous wilayas and causing significant damage, particularly to the forest in the Arhat municipality of Tipaza.
According to the Prosecutor’s Office, the preliminary investigation conducted by the National Gendarmerie’s Research and Investigation Unit in Tipaza led to the dismantling of a criminal group suspected of deliberately starting fires within the forest environment. These actions resulted in the destruction of vast tracts of Aleppo pine, scrubland, and agricultural land. The extent of the damage is still being assessed.
On November 20, 2025, the suspects were presented before the Public Prosecutor, facing serious charges. These include the felony of committing sabotage acts that endanger the lives, security, and property of citizens, as well as the felony of deliberately setting fire to forest property. The charges are based on Article 87 bis of the Penal Code and Article 138 of the Law relating to Forests and Forestry Resources.
Following questioning, the investigating judge ordered the provisional detention of all four suspects. The investigation is ongoing, and further details are expected to be released as the case progresses. DZWatch will continue to monitor this developing story.