Algeria: Fire at a shopping center in Bab Ezzouar, Algiers, Jan. 1

Event

Emergency services are responding to a fire at a restaurant at the Bab Ezzouar shopping center in Algiers late Jan. 1. The cause of the incident remains unclear. There have been no immediate reports of injuries.

Increased security is likely near the incident site over the coming hours to facilitate the emergency response. Localized business and transport disruptions may occur.

Advice

Avoid the area until authorities give the all-clear. Seek alternative routes to circumvent the incident site. Persons operating nearby should consider remaining indoors if smoke is heavy, especially if they suffer from a respiratory illness, such as asthma, or conditions that lead to increased risk from smoke exposure. Eye irritation is possible; flush irritated eyes with copious amounts of clean water.