Firefighters and residents armed with simple tools battled a rash of forest fires in northern Algeria. Fires were reported in multiple locations in 14 districts, 10 of them around Tizi Ouzou, one of the most populous cities in Kabylie.
Official’s said arsonists were responsible for dozens of forest fires that have killed seven people and destroyed homes east of the capital.
Meanwhile, firefighters and helicopters were still trying to contain several blazes threatening residents in Tizi Ouzou province, some 100 km (62 miles) from Algiers, state news agency APS reported.
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Multiple fires were burning through forests and devouring the olive trees, cattle and chickens that provide the livelihoods of families.
The North African country is the latest Mediterranean country to be hit by wildfires, after blazes hit Greece, Turkey and Cyprus.
Meteorologists said the temperature would hit 46 degrees Celsius (115 degrees Fahrenheit) on Tuesday, and the country is also struggling with severe water shortages.
