Algeria forest fires kill 12 and injure 54 in northeastern regions
A series of severe forest fires in northeastern Algeria on Wednesday resulted in at least 12 deaths and 54 injuries, according to official reports. The Minister of Interior, Saïd Sayoud, stated on public television that five fatalities occurred in Jijel, four in Béjaïa, and three in Tizi Ouzou. The fires also necessitated the evacuation of residents from their homes as a precautionary measure due to the flames approaching residential areas. Civil Protection recorded 154 fire outbreaks nationwide, with 36 of these in the Béjaïa wilaya alone. By Wednesday evening, 18 of these fires had been brought under control. In response to the crisis, the Ministers of Interior and Health visited Souk El Tenine hospital in Béjaïa to assess the condition of the injured and oversee rescue operations. Authorities are continuing efforts to contain the fires and safeguard affected populations.
