Algiers Foster Fire has claimed the lives of 11 people after a devastating blaze swept through a foster care facility in Algeria’s capital, leaving 19 others injured and prompting a major emergency response from the country’s civil protection authorities.
The fire broke out in the early hours of Thursday at the foster care centre in Algiers. According to Algeria’s civil protection department, firefighters began responding to the emergency at approximately 03:30 local time (04:30 GMT) after receiving reports of the incident.
Emergency crews quickly arrived at the scene and launched a large-scale operation to bring the flames under control. More than three hours after the response began, firefighters were still working to extinguish the blaze when authorities issued an update confirming the growing number of casualties.
Officials said 11 people had died in the Algiers Foster Fire, while 19 others suffered injuries. The civil protection department did not provide details about the identities or ages of those who lost their lives or were hurt during the incident.
To support the rescue effort, authorities deployed 10 fire engines and 16 ambulances to the foster care facility. Emergency personnel worked to evacuate survivors, treat the injured and prevent the fire from spreading further.
During the operation, officials also confirmed that five people with special needs were safely removed from the facility. Authorities said they were taken into care and transported to a secure location while emergency services continued to manage the scene.
The tragedy comes as Algeria faces an intense period of extreme temperatures. The country has been experiencing a prolonged heatwave over recent days, conditions that have increased the risk of fires in several regions.
According to AFP, nearly 1,000 fires have been recorded across Algeria within the past week. While authorities have not indicated whether the heatwave contributed to the Algiers Foster Fire, the country has seen emergency services responding to a high number of fire-related incidents during this period.
The incident drew an immediate response from senior government officials. Algerian state media reported that Prime Minister Sifi Ghrieb travelled to two hospitals in Algiers to visit people injured in the fire.
Images released by state media showed the prime minister standing beside a child receiving treatment in a hospital bed, reflecting the government’s response to the tragedy and its support for those affected.
As investigations continue, authorities have not announced the cause of the fire or whether an official inquiry has been launched. No further information has been released regarding the condition of the injured victims.
The Algiers Foster Fire has become one of the latest deadly incidents to strike Algeria during a week marked by widespread fires and extreme weather conditions. Emergency services remain focused on assisting survivors and supporting those impacted by the disaster.
The fire has also highlighted the challenges facing emergency responders as they continue dealing with hundreds of fires reported across the country. With firefighters still battling multiple incidents linked to the ongoing heatwave, authorities are expected to continue monitoring conditions closely.
For families connected to the foster care facility, the loss of life has brought profound grief, while medical teams continue caring for those injured in the blaze. Officials have not indicated when additional details about the victims or the cause of the fire may be released.
As the Algiers Foster Fire investigation progresses, attention will remain on the emergency response, the wellbeing of the survivors and any findings that explain how the deadly blaze unfolded at the foster care facility in Algeria’s capital.