Algerian authorities evacuated residents and transferred hospital patients as wildfires spread through Annaba province on Tuesday. The fires intensified due to extreme heat and strong winds. Emergency services continue efforts to protect affected communities and contain the blazes.
According to the General Directorate of Civil Protection, the fires spread rapidly in the town of Seraidi. Authorities mobilised all available personnel and equipment to control the situation. Ground crews and aircraft are participating in firefighting operations.
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Residents from threatened areas were evacuated as a precaution. Meanwhile, patients at Seraidi Hospital were moved to safer locations to ensure uninterrupted medical care. Firefighters are working alongside the Algerian army and other security agencies.
Additionally, Civil Protection urged people to avoid fire-affected areas and follow official instructions. Authorities also advised residents to rely on verified information instead of rumours. Officials said public cooperation remains essential during emergency operations.
As of Tuesday evening, Algeria had recorded 170 wildfires nationwide. According to Civil Protection, 104 fires were extinguished while 66 remained active across 19 provinces. The fires have placed increasing pressure on emergency response teams.
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Meanwhile, the Interior Ministry said six people have died in forest fires across several provinces in recent days. Algeria has experienced more than two weeks of record-breaking temperatures reaching 49 degrees Celsius. Hot southern winds have further intensified wildfire conditions.
Therefore, authorities are continuing large-scale firefighting and evacuation efforts across affected regions. Official data showed 3,719 wildfires were recorded between May 1 and July 20. The fires have destroyed more than 1,666 hectares of vegetation, marking the country’s worst damage since 2021.