At least 12 people have died and 54 have been injured as wildfires driven by a severe heatwave tear through northeastern Algeria, with six people reported in critical condition.
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Key facts
- At least 12 people have died in the wildfires, according to Al Jazeera and the BBC.
- Al Jazeera reports 54 people injured, with six in critical condition.
- A severe heatwave fuelled 154 wildfires across Algeria in a single day, according to Al Jazeera.
- Northern Africa has faced severe heatwaves this summer, leading to hundreds of fires across the region, according to the BBC.
At least 12 people have died and 54 have been injured as wildfires swept through northeastern Algeria, according to reporting from Al Jazeera and the BBC. Six of the injured are in a critical condition, Al Jazeera reported.
The fires have been driven by a severe heatwave. According to Al Jazeera, the extreme heat fuelled 154 wildfires across Algeria in a single day.
The BBC reported that northern Africa has experienced severe heatwaves this summer, which have led to hundreds of fires across the region.
The scale of the blazes underscores the pressure that this summer’s heat has placed on affected communities across the region.
Details on the areas most affected and ongoing response efforts were not specified in the available reports.
Both outlets published their accounts on 27 August 2026.
Why it matters
Wildfires fuelled by extreme heat threaten lives, homes and livelihoods, and this summer's severe heatwaves have driven hundreds of fires across northern Africa. The rising human toll highlights the growing risks communities face from heat-driven disasters.
Frequently asked questions
How many people have died in the Algeria wildfires?
At least 12 people have died, according to both Al Jazeera and the BBC.
How many wildfires have broken out in Algeria?
According to Al Jazeera, a severe heatwave fuelled 154 wildfires across Algeria in a single day.
How many people have been injured?
Al Jazeera reports 54 people injured, with six in a critical condition.
Timeline
- At least 12 dead as wildfires sweep through northern Algeria
BBC World: Northern Africa has experienced severe heatwaves this summer, leading to hundreds of fires across the region.
- At least 12 dead, 54 injured as wildfires ravage northeastern Algeria
Al Jazeera: Six people in critical condition as a severe heatwave fuels 154 wildfires across Algeria in a single day.