Tuesday 25 February 2025 
BY: Dr. Hana Saada
ALGIERS | April 26, 2024- As the season of intense heat approaches, spanning from early June to late October each year, forest fires become a common occurrence in Algeria. To prevent the devastating scenarios witnessed since 2021, the government is taking proactive measures to combat fires in 2024, many of which are often destructive and fatal. Among the key decisions taken is the reinforcement of the aerial fleet. In this regard, Tassili Airlines has mobilized 12 multi-purpose bombing aircrafts.
Ahmed Boubekri, base manager of the company, a subsidiary of the Sonatrach group, in Mostaganem, provided an update on the progress made so far during a meeting with Djamel Touahria, Director General of Forests. In his explanations about the forest fire and medical evacuation airbase project at Sayada aerodrome, Mr. Boubekri assured that “in anticipation of this year’s national fire fighting campaign, Tassili Airlines has acquired, in execution of the President’s instructions, 6 Air Tractor AT 802 aircrafts with a capacity of 3000 liters, three of which were delivered earlier, along with two aircrafts delivered on Tuesday, and another one scheduled for September”. Seven aircrafts of the same type will also be leased, in addition to helicopters for logistical support during the campaign,” he added.
Pilot Training and Activity Development
Regarding the project of the airbase at Sayada aerodrome, Ahmed Boubekri stated that “the work has exceeded 57% completion and will be finished by the end of May”. He continued, “This aerial infrastructure will be operational on June 15th, according to the established deadlines. For the second and third phases of the project, for which an investment of 2 billion dinars has been allocated, a pilot training school and development of various activities at the airbase will be realized.”
Touahria: “360-Degree Cameras Will Be Used”
Director of Forests, Djamel Touahria, indicated that “the objective of involving aerial capabilities is to reduce fires and contain their spread, especially in areas difficult to access and lacking forest paths”. “Furthermore, several startups have worked on innovating surveillance techniques, such as advanced methods like 360-degree cameras,” he added. This year, a “proactive” and “prudent” decision has been made to advance the launch date of the national forest fire and crop harvesting campaign, which will commence on May 1st instead of June 1st and extend until October 31st.
Establishment of 10 Landing Strips
Minister of Interior, Local Authorities, and Territorial Planning, Brahim Merad, revealed that work is underway to establish areas for takeoff and landing of water bombing aircrafts in various regions. Ten provinces are concerned with these areas, including Tizi Ouzou, Guelma, Skikda, Khenchela, El-Tarf, Bordj Bou-Arréridj, Souk Ahras, Bouira, Tissemsilt, and Relizane. To adequately prepare for all scenarios, exercises are being conducted by water bombing aircraft pilots in several provinces, as confirmed by videos posted on social media platforms in recent days.
Translated from:
About Dzair Tube Media Group
Dzair Tube has firmly established itself as a prominent player among Algerian digital news sites, offering a diverse and enriching content experience. The platform, available in Arabic, French, and English editions, captures the attention of a wide-ranging audience, amassing over half a million daily clicks.
A testament to its commitment to excellence, Dzair Tube received the prestigious President of the Republic’s Award for Professional Journalist in the Electronic Press category on October 22, 2022. This recognition underscores the platform’s unwavering dedication to upholding the highest standards of journalism.
With a significant online presence, Dzair Tube boasts 350,000 subscribers on YouTube, over five million followers on various Facebook pages, and 450,000 subscribers on Instagram. Its digital channel has become a hub for diverse programming, covering news, sports, entertainment, culture, and religion, catering to a broad spectrum of audience preferences.
Equipped with state-of-the-art studios and advanced technology, Dzair Tube’s digital channel has garnered substantial viewership for its varied programs. Hosting interactive discussions with influential figures across different domains, the platform actively fosters public discourse and engagement. Beyond news coverage, Dzair Tube extends its commitment to the production of marketing documentaries, short TV commercials, and high-viewership programs.
The success of the print edition of Dzair Tube’s sports newspaper, “Dzair Sport,” further highlights the platform’s impact, with over 50,000 daily downloads from the official Dzair Tube website.
Honored with the Media Leadership Award from the Minister of Communication, Mohamed Laâgab, Dzair Tube continues to shape the landscape of Algerian digital news, maintaining a position of influence and impact in the media industry.