Wildfires kill 12 people across several Algerian provinces

Twelve people were killed ​in wildfires that swept ‌through several Algerian provinces, Interior Minister Said Sayoud said late ​on Wednesday, amid a ​severe heatwave gripping North Africa.

The ⁠fatalities included five people ​in Jijel province, four in ​Bejaia and three in Tizi Ouzou.

Sayoud added that 54 people had ​suffered burn injuries, including ​six in critical condition who are ‌currently ⁠in intensive care.

Algeria's civil protection services recorded 154 wildfires across the country on ​Wednesday.

Thirty-six ​fires ⁠were reported in Bejaia province alone, of ​which 18 had ​been ⁠brought under control.

The fires come as an exceptional heatwave ⁠sweeps ​across North Africa, ​particularly Tunisia and Algeria.

-Reuters