Algeria Moves to Compensate Wildfire Victims as Government Steps Up Relief Efforts

Algeria’s Minister of the Interior, Local Authorities and Transport, Saïd Sayoud, said on Thursday in Guelma that President Abdelmadjid Tebboune had instructed the government delegation to reassure citizens that damage caused by the recent wildfires would be assessed as quickly as possible and compensation procedures launched without delay.

Sayoud said the objective is to settle the situation of affected families before the upcoming social and school year. He explained that local authorities had been ordered to rapidly identify and assess all losses so that the state could compensate victims within the shortest possible timeframe.

The minister, accompanied by Health Minister Mohamed Seddik Aït Messaoudène, Minister of National Solidarity Soraya Mouloudji and Civil Protection Director General Colonel Boualem Boughlaf, also conveyed President Tebboune’s condolences to families who lost relatives in the fires.

According to Sayoud, more than 160 fires broke out across several provinces between Thursday and Saturday. Six people died, while rapid intervention by Civil Protection, security forces, the People’s National Army and citizens helped prevent a higher human toll and protected residential areas.

He added that around 18 aircraft, including 12 firefighting planes, two military aircraft and several helicopters, were mobilized.

Investigations remain underway to determine the causes of the fires. Sayoud said some incidents appear to have been criminally caused, while others resulted from natural factors, stressing that those responsible for deliberate fires would face severe legal penalties.

The minister also praised the strong nationwide solidarity shown by citizens and businesses, reaffirming that the Algerian state will continue supporting affected families.

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