Extreme Heat and Wildfires Claim Six Lives in North Africa

Algiers – 27 July 2026: Extreme heat and numerous fires have claimed lives in several North African countries and placed heavy demands on emergency services. In Algeria, authorities confirmed six deaths as a result of wildfires that have affected several provinces. Given the dry vegetation and high temperatures, emergency crews remained on alert even after extinguishing numerous fire fronts.

Algeria’s Interior Ministry ordered an assessment of the damage in the affected provinces. The surveys are intended to serve as a basis for compensation. Firefighting and rescue operations were also reinforced. According to the Defense Ministry on 25 July, the army deployed personnel, vehicles, helicopters and firefighting aircraft to the endangered areas. Soldiers also supported evacuations near the fires.

The situation was particularly tense in northeastern Algeria. According to the state news agency, areas around Annaba and Seraidi were also affected. Authorities set up a national monitoring center to track the development of the wildfires and coordinate the agencies involved. Civil protection reported that numerous fires had been extinguished. However, personnel remained mobilized because of the weather conditions.

Tunisia also recorded an unusually high number of deployments. The National Civil Protection service registered 900 fires of various kinds between 20 and 22 July, which, according to a senior official, were extinguished within 72 hours. Two larger wildfires initially remained active. In total, emergency services responded around 2,700 times nationwide during this period; this figure includes other emergencies in addition to forest and vegetation fires.

Since 1 June, Tunisia had recorded at least 101 wildfires by 22 July. Around 1,788 hectares of land burned. At Mount Takrouna near Sakiet Sidi Youssef in the Kef Governorate, firefighting vehicles, equipment for work in difficult terrain and a firefighting aircraft were deployed. The hard-to-reach area required extensive technical support from emergency crews.

Morocco was also repeatedly affected by exceptionally high temperatures in July. The General Directorate of Meteorology reported temperatures above 40 degrees Celsius in more than nine cities at the beginning of the month. It identified the Chergui, a hot and dry wind, as a key cause. Together with parched vegetation, it increases the risk that small fire fronts will spread rapidly.

The World Meteorological Organization has long warned of the growing effects of extreme heat and wildfires in the Mediterranean region. Meanwhile, in Algeria, authorities said damage assessments and support for affected families were continuing.