Algeria wildfires have left Bejaïa forest in flames yet again amid strong winds and rising temperatures.
Emergency crews including fire fighters are battling to extinguish several wildfires that started in the northeastern provinces of Bejaia and Tizi-Ouzou of Algeria.
According to reports, the fires in the North African country have intensified and are currently threatening residential areas.
In July, the same region was badly destroyed by huge forest fires leaving about thirty people dead.
There has been no report of casualties or destruction of property from the current Algeria wildfires, but responders say strong winds are causing the blazes to spread quickly.
Authorities have issued warnings that high temperatures may continue the areas affected by the wildfire all through the weekend.
They also added that the hot and dry conditions would likely increase and spread the wildfire further.
The northern areas of Algeria have experienced temperatures of up to 49 degree Celsius this summer, a record heat wave.
According to the World Meteorological Organisation, patterns of extreme weather recently experienced across the world stresses the urgency for more efficient climate action.
The interior ministry noted that over 20 people were left injured in July as the fires spread through residential areas.
In the Bouira province, a Zbarbar resident named Boualam Ferhat recalled how the fire started, stating, “It started to burn at around 2 p.m., just down from the military school. I called the fire brigade, and I told them that the fire had started nearby. They got there half an hour later, but in the meantime, the fire had really spread.”
Another Zbarbar resident, Ali Saibi, expressed his loss, saying, “The fire started at Grouma on the Tablat-side, and it spread through Beni Malah and in the end, it arrived at Bourebach, burning everything in its path. Some people lost everything.”
Algeria witnessed 97 wildfires across 16 provinces, fueled by strong winds and temperatures reaching 48 degrees Celsius (118 Fahrenheit) in certain regions.
The most extensive and deadliest fires affected parts of Bejaia and Jijel in the Kabyle region east of Algiers, along with Bouira, southeast of the capital. The President expressed condolences to the families of the deceased, both civilian and military.