Algeria: Dozens of Families Evacuated Due to Wildfires Near Tipaza
Edited By: Esengo Badi
Algerian firefighters continued efforts on Friday to contain large wildfires that forced the evacuation of around fifty families near Tipaza, west of the capital, according to Civil Protection authorities.
“Some fire hotspots have been brought under control, while extinguishing operations continue in other areas,” Civil Protection said in an afternoon statement.
The intense fires threatened several villages in the Tipaza region, located about 70 kilometers from Algiers, causing what local media described as a “night of turmoil” for residents who were relocated to schools and youth centers. Outlets also noted the unusual nature of such fires occurring in November.
Civil Protection reported that nearly 300 firefighters and significant equipment were deployed, including two water-bombing aircraft with a capacity of 12,000 liters each. Northern Algeria has recently experienced temperatures higher than seasonal averages, similar to summer levels.
The fires, which broke out 20 to 40 kilometers from well-known ancient ruins, spread rapidly due to wind gusts exceeding 60 km/h.
Brahim Khouas, the local Civil Protection director, stated that fires reported Thursday in the municipalities of Beni Mileuk, Larhat, Messelmoun and Hadjret Ennous had been contained, allowing inhabited areas to be secured and limiting further spread. “Control and extinguishing operations are ongoing,” he added.
The Ministry of Health said Friday that no casualties had been reported.
Prime Minister Sifi Ghrieb visited the Tipaza area overnight from Thursday to Friday and pledged support for affected families to help them cope with the situation.
Wildfires are common during the summer months in northern Algeria, where most of the country’s forests are located, but they are far less frequent in autumn. In recent years, such fires have increased in intensity due to periods of drought and high temperatures associated with climate change.
