# Algeria forest fires and casualties

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/algeria-forest-fires-and-casualties
> Updated: 2026-08-29T05:01:23.000Z. Sources: 7. Developments: 2.

Devastating forest fires have swept through several provinces in central and eastern Algeria, leading to a declaration of three days of national mourning. The blazes have caused multiple fatalities and injuries, with significant losses reported in the Jijel, Tizi Ouzou, and Béjaïa regions.

As the situation progressed, the preliminary death toll rose to 73 people, with heavy casualties reported in the Jijel province, particularly in the town of Djemaa Beni Habib. In one instance, 21 members of a single family reportedly died in the Beni Habib highlands. The fires spread rapidly, trapping families in their homes and causing extensive damage to crops, livestock, and property.

Between August 27 and 28, a total of 174 fires were recorded across various regions. While the General Directorate of Civil Protection successfully extinguished 110 of these incidents, 64 fires remained active in provinces including Jijel, Skikda, El Tarf, Guelma, Annaba, Bejaia, Bouira, Mila, Tebessa, and Constantine. Containment efforts have been hindered by extreme weather, including strong winds and temperatures approaching 50 degrees Celsius.

Prime Minister Sifi Ghrieb attended a mass funeral for 39 victims in Djemaa Beni Habibi as search and rescue operations continued for those still missing. Authorities have launched investigations to determine if the fires were caused by natural factors, accidents, or criminal intent. Amid the tragedy, widespread community solidarity has emerged as citizens provide essential supplies to those affected.

## Claims

- Forest fires in Algeria have resulted in 73 deaths, according to preliminary local reports. (disputed by 4 sources)
- A mass funeral was held for 39 victims in the town of Djemaa Beni Habib. (disputed by 4 sources)
- The Algerian Ministry of Interior reported an initial death toll of 12 people. (disputed)
- An eyewitness reported that 21 members of a single family perished in the Beni Habibi highlands. (corroborated by 5 sources)
- The General Directorate of Civil Protection has extinguished 110 out of 174 fires recorded between August 27 and 28. (corroborated by 4 sources)
- Algerian Prime Minister Sifi Ghrieb attended the funeral ceremonies for the victims. (corroborated by 4 sources)
- Fifty-four people were injured by the fires, with six in critical condition. (single source)

## Timeline

### 2026-08-29: Algeria forest fires kill 73 people in Jijel province

Forest fires in eastern Algeria, centered in Jijel, have reportedly killed 73 people. Emergency services are working to contain 64 remaining fires amid extreme heat and strong winds.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/algeria-forest-fires-kill-73-people-in-jijel-province

### 2026-08-28: Algeria declares national mourning after deadly forest fires

Algeria has declared three days of national mourning following deadly forest fires in the east and center, prompting investigations into potential criminal causes and sparking widespread citizen solidarity.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/algeria-declares-national-mourning-after-deadly-forest-fires-1

---
Cite as: Algeria forest fires and casualties. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/algeria-forest-fires-and-casualties