Wildfires ravage 60 hectares of fruit trees in Algeria's Saharidj region

A devastating wildfire broke out on Wednesday afternoon in the village of Tadert Lejdid, located in the commune of Saharidj, Algeria. The fire ravaged 60 hectares of agricultural land, comprising fig and cherry trees, which were on the verge of harvesting. The blaze was fueled by strong winds, dry grass, and the challenging terrain of the high mountainous region.

Two units of the Civil Protection service, based in M'Chedallah and Aghbalou, were quickly deployed to combat the fire, and were later reinforced by two additional units from the M'Chedallah Forest Department and the Djurdjura National Park. Despite their tireless efforts, which lasted over five hours, the firefighters were unable to save the fruit trees. However, their prompt action prevented the fire from spreading to nearby homes and livestock enclosures.

The region has been plagued by a series of wildfires, with this being the fourth incident in the Saharidj municipality since mid-June. The cumulative damage has affected hundreds of agricultural lands and forests. Neighboring municipalities in the M'Chedallah district have also been hit by a spate of wildfires, which have returned after a four-year lull.

The area is considered particularly vulnerable due to its rugged terrain, rich biodiversity, and limited firefighting resources. The region's forest cover is approximately 60%, but it remains under-equipped to tackle wildfires. Conservation efforts are underway to protect endangered species, including the black pine, Aleppo pine, cork oak, and green oak.

Local residents were noticeably absent from the scene, which is unusual for the Iwakuren tribe, known for their organizational skills. The lack of preparedness and resources has raised concerns about the region's ability to respond to wildfires. A new Civil Protection headquarters, built in the Tikremtath area, has been awaiting inauguration for over a year but remains non-operational.

The incident highlights the growing concern about wildfires in the region, which have been exacerbated by climate change and human activity. The Algerian authorities have been urged to take proactive measures to prevent and combat wildfires, particularly in areas with high conservation value. The recent surge in wildfires has sparked fears about the long-term impact on the region's ecosystem and local communities.

The situation is further complicated by the fact that nearby forests, including the legendary Adhrar Seggane, Taferkout, and Ighzer Oumenchar, are also under threat from recurring wildfires. The Algerian authorities have reported dozens of new wildfires in various parts of the Bouira province, including the communes of Aghbalou, Ath Leqsar, Taghzout, and Lakhdaria, over the past 24 hours.

Key points

• 60 hectares of fruit trees destroyed in the wildfire
• This is the fourth wildfire incident in the Saharidj municipality since mid-June
• The region's limited firefighting resources and rugged terrain exacerbate the wildfire risk