(PHOTO) More than 100 hospitalized in Algeria due to wildfires

More than 100 people have been hospitalized in Algeria due to wildfires that have damaged nearly 150 homes in the small town of Seraidi, located on the north-eastern coast of the country, according to a statement from the interior ministry released on July 22, 2026. Firefighters continue to battle the blazes, which broke out on Tuesday, as reported by the French news agency AFP. Interior Minister Said Sayoud visited the hospital and stated that the injured were in stable condition. The fires erupted in Seraidi, situated within a region known for its extensive forests. Wildfires have been raging across different provinces for several days, with reports indicating that six lives were lost. The situation has prompted emergency response teams to deploy additional resources to contain the spread of the flames. Wildfires are a recurring issue in Algeria, largely attributed to drought conditions exacerbated by climate change. In recent years, dozens of fatalities have been recorded due to these fires, while thousands of hectares of forest and cultivated land have been destroyed. The government has repeatedly called for increased investment in fire prevention and early warning systems to mitigate such disasters. Local authorities have confirmed that the fires in Seraidi began under dry weather conditions, which accelerated their spread. Emergency services have been working around the clock to rescue residents and protect nearby infrastructure. A number of evacuations were carried out as a precautionary measure, with families being relocated to safer areas outside the affected zone. Residents described the scene as chaotic, with smoke filling the air and flames consuming entire neighborhoods. “We had little time to react,” said one local resident, who requested anonymity. “The wind was blowing hard, and the fire moved quickly.” Several community members have volunteered to assist firefighters, using water trucks and manual methods to help control the blaze. The national disaster management agency has issued warnings about the potential for further outbreaks, especially given the ongoing heatwave and low humidity levels. Officials have urged citizens to remain vigilant and report any signs of smoldering vegetation or unusual heat sources. Meanwhile, environmental groups have criticized the lack of long-term strategies to address the root causes of the wildfires, including deforestation and inadequate land-use planning. International observers have noted that Algeria’s wildfire problem is part of a broader regional trend linked to rising temperatures and shifting rainfall patterns. Neighboring countries such as Morocco and Tunisia have also faced similar challenges in recent months, prompting calls for cross-border cooperation in managing shared ecosystems and water resources. However, political tensions and limited funding have hindered progress in this area. Firefighters remain on high alert as they continue to monitor the situation. Additional support is expected from neighboring regions, where specialized firefighting units are prepared to respond if needed. The health ministry has also activated emergency protocols to manage the influx of patients, ensuring that medical facilities are equipped to handle the strain caused by the fires.