Wildfires kill 12, injure 54 across several Algerian provinces
Twelve people have died and 54 were injured in wildfires sweeping multiple provinces in Algeria, according to the interior minister.
Key Takeaways
AIAlgerian state radio reported on Wednesday evening that Interior Minister Said Saayoud announced the deaths of 12 people as wildfires swept through several provinces.
Local channel Ennahar said five victims were in Jijel province, four in Bejaia, and three in Tizi Ouzou.
Saayoud added that 54 people suffered burns, including six in critical condition who are currently receiving intensive care.
Algeria’s civil protection services recorded 154 fires across the country on Wednesday. In Bejaia province alone, 36 fires were reported, with 18 brought under control.
Northern Algeria experiences wildfires every summer, a phenomenon made worse by recurring droughts and extreme heat linked to climate change.
In recent years, massive fires have killed dozens, destroyed thousands of hectares of forests and farmland, and damaged many homes.
Authorities also indicated that some fires were deliberately set and announced the arrest of suspects.