Merad supervise la mise en service du dispositif aérien de lutte contre les incendies de forêt
Summary of Firefighting Measures in Algeria for Summer 2025
On Sunday, the Algerian Minister of Interior, Local Authorities, and Regional Planning, Brahim Merad, oversaw the launch of aerial firefighting initiatives at Houari Boumediene International Airport in Algiers. This initiative is part of the comprehensive preparations for the 2025 wildfire season, aimed at ensuring timely and effective responses to forest fires.
To bolster firefighting capabilities, a total of 12 water-bombing aircraft, specifically AT 802 models, have been mobilized. These will facilitate rapid interventions during the high-risk summer months. In attendance were key officials, including Colonel Boualem Boughlef, Director General of Civil Protection, Ali Badaoui, Director General of National Security, and Rachid Hachichi, CEO of the Sonatrach group.
In addition to the aircraft, the Civil Protection department has access to six helicopters and two reconnaissance aircraft, as well as large capacity water-bombers from the National People’s Army (ANP). Merad highlighted the deployment of 65 mobile Civil Protection units, comprising 3,770 agents and 650 intervention trucks.
The minister emphasized the vital role of citizens, especially those living near forests and mountainous areas, in reporting any fire outbreaks promptly to the relevant authorities for swift intervention.
During a presentation on the operational strategy for wildfire management, it was disclosed that the water-bombing planes will be stationed at various airports, including those in Algiers, Mostaganem, Béjaïa, and Annaba. This deployment may be adjusted based on operational needs.
This year’s firefighting strategy incorporates significant technological advancements, including enhanced surveillance systems for rapid fire detection and reconnaissance aircraft capable of identifying fire sources. The large capacity water-bombers will serve critical roles in managing difficult-to-reach fires that cannot be controlled via ground operations, demonstrating Algeria’s commitment to addressing the growing challenge of wildfires.
