Death toll from Algeria wildfires rises to 12

ALGIERS, Algeria — Forest fires affecting multiple cities across Algeria have killed 12 people, Interior, Local Authorities and Transport Minister Said Sayud said. Speaking in the eastern city of Béjaïa, Sayud said five of the deaths occurred in Jijel in the northeast, three in Tizi Ouzou in the north, and four in Béjaïa. Sayud said worsening weather and strengthening winds had prevented firefighting aircraft from operating effectively. More than 70 percent of the fires have been brought under control, he added. Algeria's Civil Defense said 118 of 182 fires burning in various parts of the country have been extinguished, with operations continuing and all available personnel and resources mobilized. Officials recalled that six people died in fires that broke out in some regions in July.