The Algerian government has responded to the recent wildfires with two main actions: promising swift compensation for victims and reintroducing the death penalty for those accused of intentionally starting fires. However, experts say that long-standing issues in fire prevention and management are to blame for the recurring wildfires. Algeria has faced prolonged droughts, extreme heat, and soil degradation, which have made fires spread faster and cause more destruction. Between 1985 and 2022, over 75,000 forest fires were recorded, with an average of 35,000 hectares burned each year. By late August 2026, nearly 200 fires were reported in a single day, with temperatures soaring above 45°C and strong winds adding to the danger. Jijel, a region in northern Algeria, was the hardest hit, with fires spreading through both coastal and mountainous areas. The fires isolated villages, blocked roads, and overwhelmed local hospitals. The official death toll is reported as 12 dead and 54 injured, but other sources, including community records and hospital data, suggest the number is much higher. In El Djemaa Beni Habibi, over 70 victims are listed, and an independent count cited by Le Monde estimates 200 deaths in the Jijel wilaya. The final death toll remains uncertain, and the lack of clear, consistent information has raised concerns about transparency. The search for the causes of the fires has quickly turned into a criminal investigation. On August 27, the Minister of the Interior announced "in-depth investigations." On August 29, President Abdelmadjid Tebboune stated that "there is something criminal" about the fires and called for strengthening the penal code, including the reintroduction of the death penalty for arsonists. This would mark the first time since a moratorium was established in 1993 that the death penalty would be applied in Algeria. While criminal investigations may uncover individual responsibility, they do not explain how small fires could escalate into such a large human and ecological disaster. These conditions—extreme heat, dry vegetation, and strong winds—had been well-documented before the fires. In June 2026, the World Bank highlighted weaknesses in Algeria’s forest management, including outdated plans, fragmented data, and a lack of coordination. The Bank urged the government to improve early warning systems, local capacities, and community involvement in fire prevention. Despite efforts to enhance firefighting capabilities, including the acquisition of water bombers, the government said that strong winds made aerial interventions impossible during critical hours. In response to the fires, a powerful solidarity movement has emerged, drawing on long-standing traditions of community support. This movement, which saw mobilization across the country, including aid from the diaspora and local volunteers, has political roots in past movements like the Hirak protests of 2019. The same spirit of resilience and collective action was seen again in August 2026, with donations, generators, and medical supplies being mobilized. Slogans and songs from the Hirak movement, such as "Un seul héros, le peuple" (One hero, the people), were also heard again, symbolizing a shared sense of unity and resistance. The government has combined a message of solidarity with a firm security approach, using the same timeline—centered around September 15—to announce compensation for victims and the reintroduction of the death penalty. This strategy aims to create a sense of unity and control during a time of crisis. However, it also shifts attention away from systemic failures in fire prevention and management. Some media outlets have begun to investigate these deeper issues, highlighting the contrast between the government’s rapid responses and the long-term challenges of rebuilding and recovery.