Algeria Wildfires Kill 12 People, Injure Dozens Amid Severe Heatwave
At least 12 people have died and 54 others are injured after wildfires tore through parts of northeastern Algeria. A severe heatwave is making the fires worse across the country. Authorities have moved many families from areas hit hardest by the blazes.
Interior Minister Said Sayoud shared this sad news on Wednesday. He said five people died in Jijel province. Four deaths happened in Bejaia province, and three in Tizi Ouzou province. The minister visited a hospital in Souk El Thenine, Bejaia. He checked on victims with burns and smoke inhalation there.
Mr. Sayoud reported that 54 people were being treated for burns at the hospital. Six of these people are in critical condition. Civil Protection teams recorded a total of 154 fire outbreaks across Algeria on Wednesday. There were 36 fires in Bejaia province alone. Firefighters have now controlled 18 of these Bejaia fires.
The fires are happening as a strong heatwave affects Algeria and neighboring Tunisia. Firefighting teams have put out most fires in Skikda, El Tarf, Bouira, Tizi Ouzou, and Tebessa provinces. However, operations are still ongoing in Bejaia. There are 18 active fire spots there. In Jijel province, fires are still burning in 12 towns.
Dozens of families have been moved to safety from the fire zones. Pictures from Jijel News, a local website, showed people taking shelter in a post office. Thick smoke filled the air.
Algeria often experiences deadly wildfires every summer. Intense heat and strong winds increase the risk of fires along the country’s coast. Drought and climate change also make these disasters much worse. Last month, at least six people also died from similar fires.
