Algiers: Algerian firefighters have successfully extinguished all forest fires across the country, including a significant blaze in Tipaza province, west of the capital Algiers, authorities announced Saturday. The Civil Protection Agency reported that since Friday morning, 55 fires have been put out across 14 provinces in western, central, and eastern Algeria.
According to Anadolu Agency, the Civil Protection Agency stated that five hotspots remain under monitoring due to the risk of reignition. In Tipaza, fires were extinguished in the forests of Boukhlidja, Amarsha, Bouzoula, Shoula, and Douar al-Ikhwa Marsili, with patrols continuing in some areas to ensure safety.
The agency confirmed that all fires were also contained in the provinces of Chlef in the west; Tizi Ouzou, Medea, Ain Defla, Bouira, and Boumerdes in the center; and Bejaia, Jijel, Skikda, Mila, Setif, Souk Ahras, and Tebessa in the east. This widespread containment effort has been crucial in managing the crisis.
Algeria’s meteorological service anticipates a noticeable drop in temperatures in the coming days, contributing to the containment efforts. Rains are forecast for Monday, with snow expected later in the week. These weather changes should help prevent further spread of fires.
Several Algerian provinces, notably Tipaza, experienced sudden, large-scale wildfires in recent days, driven by unusually hot and dry winds for this time of the year. This prompted mass evacuations in affected areas. Authorities have yet to disclose the cause of these fires, though northern regions recently experienced an unusual heat wave.
Temperatures in Algiers exceeded 31°C (87.8°F) on Thursday, which is unusually high for a coastal Mediterranean city that typically sees heavy rain and even snow in the surrounding mountains at this time of year. This temperature anomaly has been a contributing factor to the wildfires.
Algeria has been suffering from a severe drought for more than six years, particularly in its central and western regions. Repeated drought waves since 2022 have led to unprecedented fires, resulting in significant loss of life, injuries, and destruction of tens of thousands of hectares of forests and vegetation.