A wildfire has killed two people west of the Algerian capital, the emergency services said Saturday, one of a spate of seasonal blazes to hit the north African country.
Nearby residents were evacuated from their homes after the fire swept through forest near the coastal city of Tipaza trapping and killing two men in a chicken coop.
For all the latest headlines follow our Google News channel online or via the app.
More than 50 additional firefighters were dispatched from Algiers to help tackle the blaze which broke out on Friday night.
Over the past 24 hours, fires have been reported in northern Algeria in 10 of the country’s 58 provinces.
Already in September, authorities in Tipaza announced their worst year for wildfires since 2010, with nearly 900 hectares (2,200 acres) of forest or crops destroyed.
Read more:
Amount of plastic dumped in Mediterranean Sea to double in 20 years: Report
UN agency warns climate change means more weather disasters every year
Every year, Algeria loses up to one percent of its vegetation to seasonal wildfires, according to the forestry department.
Last year, it lost 21,048 hectares (more than 52,000 acres) between June 1 and October 31.
-
Magnitude 4.6 earthquake rattles California as state continues wildfire fight
A magnitude 4.6 earthquake struck Southern California late Friday night, according to the US Geological Survey.For all the latest headlines, follow ... World News -
California wildfires: Homes destroyed after winds push flames into Mojave Desert
Homes were destroyed Friday by an unrelenting wildfire that reached a Mojave Desert community and was still growing on several fronts after burning ... World News -
Crews battle deadly wildfires in US amid ‘apocalyptic’ scenes of ruin
With resources stretched to the limit, weary crews fought to make progress on Thursday against deadly wildfires sweeping the western US, with a US ... World News