✏️ BY: Dr. Hana Saada
Algiers, Algeria | June 23rd, 2024 — The Minister of Interior, Local Assemblies, and Territorial Development, Brahim Merad, inaugurated the central air base for firefighting and medical evacuation in Mostaganem on Saturday. This milestone marks a significant advancement in Algeria’s efforts to combat forest fires during the summer of 2024.
Joined by Mokhtar Didouche, Minister of Tourism and Handicrafts, Fazia Dahleb, Minister of Environment and Renewable Energies, and Rachid Hachichi, CEO of Sonatrach, Merad emphasized the government’s proactive stance under President Abdelmadjid Tebboune’s directive to safeguard the nation’s forest heritage and citizens’ properties. This year, comprehensive measures have been implemented across Algeria to enhance aerial firefighting capabilities.
During his visit to the Sayada air activity base, Merad received a detailed briefing on the operational framework established by the Civil Protection for forest fire suppression. He also inspected the ongoing efforts in information dissemination and public awareness campaigns, particularly highlighting the risks associated with the summer season.
The recent acquisition of five firefighting aircraft, with an additional sixth expected in the coming weeks, underscores Algeria’s commitment to bolstering its firefighting fleet. In collaboration with Tassili Airlines, which has leased seven Canadair aircraft, Algeria is set to maximize its aerial firefighting capabilities. Additionally, the National People’s Army (ANP) has deployed two Russian Beriev Be-200 amphibious water bombers and six MI-26 helicopters to further support firefighting operations.
Merad expressed satisfaction with the current preparedness measures, noting a significant reduction in fire-related damages compared to previous years. Since the start of the firefighting campaign on May 1st, 2024, approximately 179 hectares of land have been affected nationwide, reflecting improved efficiency in preemptive measures and swift response protocols.
In January, an agreement was finalized between the Oran Airports Management Company and Tassili Airlines to establish the Sayada air base, dedicated to firefighting, medical evacuations, and other civil aviation activities. The project’s first phase, which commenced in April with an investment of 3 billion dinars by Tassili Airlines, underscores the strategic importance of enhancing aerial firefighting capabilities in western Algeria.
As Algeria continues to fortify its defenses against forest fires, Minister Merad reaffirmed the government’s commitment to safeguarding natural resources and enhancing public safety through proactive firefighting strategies and collaborative efforts with national and international partners.
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