Algeria: Wildfires cause damage and casualties in northern Algeria November 7

Event

Several wildfires in northern Algeria have caused damage and killed at least two people as of Saturday, November 7. Fires have been reported in ten out of 58 provinces in the country, with the largest burning near the coastal city of Tipaza, where the two fatalities were reported. Authorities in Tipaza province had already announced 2020 to be the worst year for wildfires since 2010 in September, with nearly 900 hectares (2200 acres) of forest or farmland destroyed. Officials have stated that an additional 50 firefighters had been deployed from Algiers to fight the fire which has been burning for two days.

Further spread of the fire is possible in the near term. An emergency response presence, evacuations, and localized transportation disruptions, namely road closures, should be anticipated in the affected areas.

Advice

Those in the vicinity of the fires are advised to monitor the situation, avoid the area, and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities.