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Wildfires kill at least 12 in Algeria
A heatwave-fuelled outbreak of wildfires killed at least 12 people across northern Algeria.
What happened
Wildfires spread through northern and northeastern Algeria during a severe heatwave, killing at least 12 people in Jijel, Bejaia and Tizi Ouzou. Authorities recorded 154 outbreaks on Wednesday, treated 54 people for burns and evacuated families from affected areas. Crews used ground and aerial resources as fires continued.
Numbers
- At least 12People killed across three provinces — Toll may rise
- 154 outbreaksWildfires recorded on Wednesday — Across Algeria
- 54 injuredPeople treated for burn injuries — Includes smoke-related treatment
- 6 criticalPatients receiving intensive care — Among those injured
Questions
- Where did residents go?
- Families left homes in Bejaia and Jijel; footage showed Jijel residents sheltering in a post office as smoke spread nearby.
- Why did heat matter?
- Algeria regularly has summer forest fires, while the World Meteorological Organization links North Africa’s rapid warming with more frequent extreme heat.
- How were crews fighting fires?
- Civil Protection used ground and aircraft resources; authorities also made precautionary evacuations in Jijel and cleared amusement parks in El Tarf.
- What are officials assessing locally?
- The interior and health ministers travelled to Bejaia, where officials assessed firefighting, evacuations and hospital treatment for burn injuries.
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Q2
Q3
Q4
The catch
Fire counts varied as outbreaks were recorded and contained at different times; the final toll remains uncertain.
Figures reflect Wednesday updates.