Families evacuated in Algeria amid large wildfire

Thursday 28 August 2025 - 16:15

By: Sahili Aya

Families evacuated in Algeria amid large wildfire

On August 27, 2025, Algerian firefighters evacuated multiple families from their homes in Chrea, about 60 kilometers southwest of Algiers, due to a significant wildfire that remained uncontrolled as of Wednesday, according to the Algerian Civil Protection.

Eight water-bombing aircraft were deployed to assist firefighters in combating the flames. Authorities have not specified the exact number of families affected. In a statement, the Civil Protection highlighted that “strong gusts of wind” are fueling the fires, making containment more challenging.

While the total area affected by the fire has not been reported, footage shared by the Civil Protection shows large flames along a road, consuming vegetation as firefighters work to control the blaze.

As of 1:30 p.m. local time (12:30 GMT), officials reported 17 ongoing fires across Algeria in the past 24 hours, with eight still active. Several northern regions, including Tizi Ouzou, Bejaïa in Kabylie, and Oran, have been affected in recent days.

Wildfires are common during summer in northern Algeria, home to dense forest areas. However, in recent years, fires have intensified due to droughts and extreme heat linked to climate change. In July 2023, more than 30 people died in forest fires in Bejaïa, which destroyed thousands of hectares of forest and farmland, as well as hundreds of homes.