Algerian Civil Protection records 119 fires in 24 hours, issues heatwave warnings

While most fires were brought under control, one forest fire in Guigba, Kalaâ Bousbaa municipality, Guelma wilaya, was still active. Four other fires were under surveillance to prevent reignition. The fires impacted various wilayas including Béjaïa, Blida, Tizi Ouzou, Jijel, Sétif, Saïda, Skikda, Sidi Bel Abbès, and Guelma, with ground resources and water-bombing aircraft deployed in some areas.

Agricultural lands, orchards, and palm groves were also affected in numerous wilayas such as Adrar, Chlef, Oum El Bouaghi, Batna, and Tlemcen, where a fire impacting fruit trees remains under surveillance. Amidst a continuing heatwave expected until Sunday, July 12, with temperatures reaching 46 °C, the Civil Protection reiterated calls for caution. Recommendations include limiting sun exposure for vulnerable groups, keeping homes cool, avoiding intense physical activity during peak heat, and for motorists to avoid long journeys in non-air-conditioned vehicles.

The public is also reminded not to swim in unauthorized water bodies and to prevent any actions that could start fires in forested areas. Emergency services can be contacted via 14 or 1021.