Wildfires in Algeria killed more than 30 people

On the night of 23 to 24 July 2023, 97 fires, fanned by strong winds, ravaged 16 wilayas in Algeria.

As at 24 July, 34 deaths including 10 soldiers were reported while 15 000 people had to be evacuated. The disaster left behind fields and wooded areas in flames, charred cars and burnt storefronts.

According to local authorities, the country has faced an extreme heat wave with temperatures of up to 48°C in some areas. This high heat contributes to the drying of vegetation, which becomes more vulnerable to forest fires.

The government has opened a preliminary investigation to determine the origin of the fires.