Algiers: Algerian civil protection teams continued efforts on Thursday to contain 14 active wildfires across 12 provinces, as temperatures were forecast to reach as high as 48°C (118.4°F) in parts of the country.
According to Anadolu Agency, the General Directorate of Civil Protection reported in its daily update that it had responded to more than 100 fires over the past 24 hours, with firefighting operations still underway at 14 sites. It added that 89 fires had been fully extinguished, while another 14 sites remained under monitoring to prevent reigniting.
The largest firefighting operations were carried out in provinces requiring aerial support, particularly Setif in eastern Algeria, where crews continued battling two brush and woodland fires in the municipalities of Beni Mouhli and Beni Ourtilane. In the western province of Saida, firefighters focused on containing two forest fires in Ouled Brahim and Moulay Larbi, supported by one BE-200 aircraft and three AT-802 planes, in addition to ground teams from the neighboring province of Sidi Bel Abbes.
In Tlemcen, another forest fire remained active as a BE-200 aircraft conducted four water-dropping sorties. Firefighting operations continued in Bejaia province, where crews tackled three forest and brush fires in the municipalities of Ouzellaguen, Darguina, and Beni Maouche. Authorities stated that efforts were also ongoing in Tebessa, Tizi Ouzou, Ouargla, Annaba, Sidi Bel Abbes, Medea, Bordj Bou Arreridj, and Ain Defla, with teams working to prevent the flames from spreading to residential areas and farmland.
Meanwhile, officials reported that fires had been fully brought under control in several provinces, including Adrar, Chlef, Batna, Bouira, Tizi Ouzou, Jijel, Tiaret, Djelfa, Skikda, Medea, Mascara, Tissemsilt, Illizi, Souk Ahras, Mila, Khenchela, and Relizane. Civil Protection Deputy Director of Operations Lt. Col. Karim Harbi stated that Algeria had recorded 932 fires since July 8, with 913 extinguished as of Wednesday morning, according to the state news agency APS.
The firefighting campaign coincides with an ongoing heat wave affecting several provinces, expected to continue through Friday. The national meteorological service placed the eastern provinces of Bejaia, Jijel, Skikda, Annaba, and El Tarf under an orange alert, forecasting maximum temperatures between 40°C (104°F) and 44°C (111.2°F), with some areas expected to reach between 46°C (114.8°F) and 48°C (118.4°F).
Algeria has faced increasingly frequent droughts and extreme heat in recent years, heightening the risk of wildfires. Previous fire seasons have resulted in fatalities and injuries, as well as the destruction of vast areas of forests and vegetation. In response, authorities have imposed tougher penalties on those responsible for starting fires, including prison terms up to 30 years.