Algeria Strengthens Wildfire Defense with Arrival of 12 State-of-the-Art Water Bombers

✍️ BY: Dr. Hana Saada

Air Tractor 802 Aircraft to Be Deployed in Forest Fire Hotspots, Marking a Turning Point in Civil Protection Strategy

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Algiers, Algeria | June 1st, 2025 — Under clear blue skies at Algiers International Airport on Sunday, the engines of a new fleet of 12 freshly acquired Air Tractor 802 water bombers roared to life, signaling a decisive leap forward in Algeria’s wildfire response capabilities. Lined up on the tarmac in striking yellow fuselages shimmering under the summer sun, the aircraft stood ready—not as machines of war, but as powerful allies in the ongoing battle against devastating forest fires.

These American-made aircraft, renowned for their precision, resilience, and adaptability to rugged terrains, can carry up to 3,000 liters of water or fire retardant. They are set to be strategically redeployed to the airports of Béjaïa, Annaba, and Mostaganem—regions identified as particularly vulnerable due to their dense forest cover and past fire activity.

“This is a game-changer,” stated a visibly relieved officer from the Civil Protection Directorate. “Last summer, we lost crucial hours trying to reach remote areas with ground crews. With these planes, we will be faster, more efficient, and better equipped to protect lives and forests.”

The haunting memory of the catastrophic wildfires of the summer of 2021, which claimed dozens of lives and scorched thousands of hectares of forest, continues to drive national efforts toward a more robust and proactive approach. In response, authorities have overhauled their fire management strategy, emphasizing prevention, regional coordination, and the acquisition of cutting-edge aerial equipment.

This latest fleet strengthens an already expanding civil protection system. In parallel, awareness campaigns in rural areas are underway, forest access routes are being rehabilitated, and mobile units are on high alert starting in June—an integrated approach designed to prevent a repeat of past tragedies.

At the airport, technicians were already at work, inspecting water tanks and conducting mechanical checks, while pilots—most of whom received specialized training abroad—received mission briefings. “We’ll be fully operational within 48 hours,” affirmed one pilot, helmet in hand and gaze focused. “We’re ready to take off at the first sign of danger.”

In the coming days, the aircraft will be dispatched to their advanced bases, where they will maintain continuous surveillance over vulnerable wooded areas—ready to intervene and douse the flames before they spread.

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