Forest fires kill at least 15 people in Algeria

Arabia Weather - According to the Ministry of Interior in Algeria; More than 15 people have died and at least 26 others have been injured as a result of the fires that broke out in the forests of three states in northern Algeria. According to the Ministry of Interior, 7,500 firefighters are participating in efforts to put out the raging fires. As strong winds caused these fires to spread to residential areas in the three states, which led to the evacuation of about 1,500 people due to the threat of fire to them.

And in the details; The Algerian Ministry of the Interior stated that 15 people were killed and 26 others injured Sunday night and early Monday as a result of forest fires that broke out in three northern provinces of the country. The statement issued by the ministry stated that the number of fires amounted to 97 in 16 states, but the most violent were in Bejaia, Bouira and Jijel, where 15 people were killed.

These fires, which were ignited by strong winds, moved to residential areas in the three states mentioned, forcing the evacuation of about 1,500 people, who risked the fire.

It is worth noting that Algeria is suffering from a severe heat wave in a number of its regions.

According to the ministry's statement, about 7,500 firefighters and 350 trucks of different sizes were mobilized, and they were provided with air extinguishing means, which contributed to controlling most of these fires.

The statement indicated that the firefighting operations are still underway in six states, namely Boumerdes, Bouira, Tizi Ouzou, Bejaia, Jijel and Skikda, with the participation of "13 mobile columns and 3050 personnel", and these forces have been reinforced this morning with 12 mobile columns and 1200 additional personnel.

According to the statement, there are still 12 aircraft deployed in these six states, including Air Force fire-fighting helicopters and a large-capacity firefighting aircraft.

Source: france24