Housing Ministry Drafts Forest Fire Prevention Law

Mohamed Tarek Belaribi, Algeria's Minister of Housing, Urbanism, and the City, recently presided over a multi-sectoral committee meeting at the Ministry's headquarters. The primary objective of this gathering was to advance the preparation of a new draft law focused on preventing forest fires and safeguarding both individuals and properties across the nation.

This legislative initiative directly stems from directives issued by President Abdelmadjid Tebboune during a working meeting held on August 30, 2026. These instructions followed a series of forest fires that impacted several eastern and central provinces the previous August. The recent meeting commenced with a detailed presentation outlining the key measures and proposed axes for the preliminary draft law.

The upcoming legislation aims to define specific technical rules and specifications applicable to constructions within forested areas. Furthermore, it seeks to establish clear planning regulations for regions where residential settlements interface with the forest environment. Minister Belaribi extended his appreciation to the committee members for their effective and comprehensive contributions to drafting this vital project within the established timeframe, emphasizing its role in strengthening the overall fire prevention framework.