Algerian authorities have reported a significant increase in wildfires, with 1166 forest fires, 378 scrubland fires, and 1050 fires affecting dry vegetation, crops, and other areas. The fires have burned over 141,000 hectares of land, including more than 43,000 hectares of forest, 46,000 hectares of scrubland, and 38,000 hectares of dry vegetation.
According to the Director of Information and Awareness at the General Directorate of Civil Protection, Lieutenant Colonel Nasim Bernawi, the death toll from the wildfires remains preliminary, as the prevention and intervention plan to combat fires continues until November 30. The fires have caused significant damage to agricultural land, with 2950 fires affecting wheat and barley crops in July, burning over 4100 hectares of wheat and 2000 hectares of barley.
The wildfires have also destroyed a substantial amount of agricultural products, including 668,000 bundles of hay, 131,000 fruit trees, and over 70,000 palm trees. Lieutenant Colonel Bernawi stated that these numbers represent the highest level of damage recorded since 2021. The fires have had a significant impact on the environment and the agricultural sector in Algeria.
The Algerian government has taken steps to support and enhance the capabilities of the Civil Protection services. President Abdelmadjid Tebboune made decisions during a recent cabinet meeting to increase salaries and review the basic law for Civil Protection personnel. These measures aim to address the challenges posed by climate change and major risks faced by service members during their interventions.
Lieutenant Colonel Bernawi expressed gratitude to President Tebboune for the decisions, which he believes will strengthen the sector and enhance its capabilities, particularly in the areas of law, organization, and specialization. The measures are crucial, given the exceptional summer season marked by a significant number of accidents, fires, and human and material losses recorded in several provinces in central and eastern Algeria.
The Algerian authorities are working to prevent and combat wildfires, with a focus on protecting people and the environment. The prevention and intervention plan will continue until the end of November, and the authorities are urging the public to be vigilant and report any signs of fires.
The recent wildfires in Algeria serve as a reminder of the importance of preparedness and response in the face of natural disasters. The government and the Civil Protection services are working together to mitigate the effects of such disasters and protect the country's natural resources.
Key points
- Algerian wildfires have burned over 141,000 hectares of land, including forests, scrublands, and crops.
- The fires have caused significant damage to agricultural land, with 2950 fires affecting wheat and barley crops in July.
- The Algerian government has taken steps to support and enhance the capabilities of the Civil Protection services.
