Key Takeaways
- The death toll from the wildfires has reached 34, with 10 of the victims being soldiers.
- Over 8,000 people are battling the blazes across 11 provinces using 529 trucks and multiple helicopters.
- Strong winds helped the fires spread quickly, affecting 16 provinces and causing widespread damage.
Algiers: The death toll from wildfires in northern Algeria has risen to 34.
The Interior Ministry reported that the fatalities include 10 soldiers in an update on Monday.
The ministry said some 8,000 people were battling the blazes across 11 provinces, supported by 529 trucks and several firefighting helicopters.
The fires started overnight on Sunday mainly in the provinces of Bejaia, Jijel, and Bouira, but quickly spread due to strong winds, causing significant damage.
By late Monday, a total of 97 fires have been reported in the forests of 16 provinces, bringing fatalities from 15 earlier in the day to 34.
