Heatwave fuels major wildfires in Tunisia, Algeria and Morocco

Extreme heat sweeping across North Africa has ignited a series of wildfires that now threaten large swaths of forest and agricultural land in Tunisia, Algeria and Morocco. Meteorological agencies have recorded temperatures soaring above 45 °C in the region for several consecutive days, creating conditions ripe for rapid fire spread and overwhelming local firefighting resources.

Authorities in the three countries have mobilised ground crews, aerial support and emergency shelters as the blazes consume thousands of hectares, prompting evacuations of nearby villages and disrupting transport routes. In Tunisia, the fire near the Kairouan governorate has forced the relocation of over 2,000 residents, while Algeria’s interior provinces report similar displacement figures and Morocco’s coastal zones face smoke‑related health advisories. Regional cooperation is being coordinated through the North African Fire Management Network, which is sharing equipment and expertise to contain the outbreaks. Officials warn that the persistence of the heatwave could prolong the firefighting effort, and they continue to monitor weather forecasts and fire behavior to mitigate further damage.