The Algerian Ministry of Culture announced the suspension of all artistic and cultural festivals with a festive nature in various provinces of the country during August 2026, against the backdrop of the raging wave of fires sweeping several areas amid record high temperatures.

Minister of Culture Malika Ben Douda issued instructions described as 'strict and binding', ordering the immediate suspension of all festive festivals without exception, in solidarity with affected citizens, and reflecting 'the commitment to preventive measures aimed at protecting lives'.

Casualties and losses

The Algerian Ministry of Interior announced 6 deaths since the start of the wave of fires, while civil protection recorded around 1,550 fires in the past 12 days. Ambulance services transported more than 100 people to hospitals in the northeast of the country, and about 150 homes were damaged and their residents evacuated.

Fires broke out Tuesday evening in the 'Seraidi' area of Annaba province, where the local hospital was evacuated as a precaution. Interior Minister Said Sayoud confirmed that 'all patients transferred to hospital institutions are in reassuring health condition'.

Arrests and allegations of arson

On the judicial level, the investigating judge at the Sidi M'hamed court in Algiers ordered the pre-trial detention of 4 suspects, suspected of involvement in starting fires in forested properties in Constantine province.

The court explained in its statement that the three opened cases involve individuals suspected of belonging to criminal groups involved in setting fire to forested properties, noting that the suspects face charges of committing subversive acts that endanger lives and property, as well as deliberate arson of state-owned forested properties. Algerian legislation provides for severe penalties for these crimes, which may reach the death penalty if convicted.