Algeria wildfires kill six, damage 150 homes and force hospital evacuation

A wave of forest fires has swept across northern Algeria, resulting in six deaths. The flames have burned thousands of hectares and sparked more than 1,500 incidents over the past twelve days.

In the Anaba province, the town of Serhandi saw the evacuation of more than 100 hospital patients, many with burn injuries, after the blaze threatened the facility. Authorities estimate that about 150 homes have been damaged or destroyed.

The interior ministry has ordered a nationwide damage assessment to prepare compensation for affected families, and firefighting teams are employing both ground crews and aerial resources to contain the blazes.