Wildfires kill 12, injure 54 across several Algerian provinces

Twelve individuals lost their lives and 54 were injured in a series of wildfires that ravaged multiple Algerian provinces, according to Interior Minister Said Saayoud. The devastating infernos swept through Jijel, Bejaia, and Tizi Ouzou provinces, claiming the lives of 12 people. Local reports stated that five victims succumbed to their injuries in Jijel, four in Bejaia, and three in Tizi Ouzou.

Saayoud revealed that an additional 54 individuals sustained severe burns, with six in critical condition receiving intensive care treatment. The civil protection services counted a total of 154 fires across the nation on Wednesday. Bejaia province alone reported 36 fires, of which 18 were successfully extinguished. Algeria, prone to wildfires during the summer months, experiences intensified blazes due to recurring droughts and extreme heat, exacerbating the issue through climate change.

Historically, such wildfires have claimed dozens of lives, destroyed thousands of hectares of forests and farmland, and damaged numerous homes. Authorities also disclosed that some fires were likely set intentionally, announcing the apprehension of suspects responsible.