Algeria Extinguishes 913 Fires as Nationwide Emergency Response Continues
Algeria’s Civil Protection units have extinguished 913 fires nationwide since July 8, according to figures released on Wednesday by the General Directorate of Civil Protection.
Lieutenant Colonel Karim Harbi, deputy director of operations, told the Algerian Press Service that 932 fires had been recorded during the period. By Wednesday morning, 913 had been brought under control, while firefighting teams continued working to eliminate the remaining hotspots.
The provinces most affected were Bejaia, Tizi Ouzou, Setif, Skikda, Guelma, Mila, Sidi Bel Abbes, Saida and Mascara.
The fires were reported across 32 provinces. Of the total, 293 involved forests, scrubland and bush areas, while 639 affected crops and trees, Harbi said.
In response to special weather alerts linked to the ongoing heatwave, Civil Protection authorities introduced additional emergency measures. Provinces concerned were instructed to place human resources, equipment, mobile firefighting units and aerial resources on high alert.
Operations are being coordinated with the Algerian People’s National Army, the General Directorate of Forests, the National Police and the National Gendarmerie.
More than 19,000 Civil Protection personnel of different ranks have been mobilized, alongside 704 fire engines and specialized vehicles. This deployment includes 15,000 officers stationed at 505 units near forest zones, 3,770 members of 65 mobile firefighting columns, 198 officers from six regional intervention detachments and 165 personnel from the Civil Protection air group.
Authorities also deployed six helicopters and 12 water-bombing aircraft. The army supported the operation with two aircraft and six helicopters.
As a precaution, Civil Protection units evacuated residents from several threatened areas to safer locations in Bejaia, Guelma, Bouira and Mila, while emergency crews continued monitoring conditions and protecting nearby communities.
The authorities remain on alert as high temperatures and dry conditions continue to increase fire risks, particularly in forested and agricultural areas across several parts of the country.
