At least 12 people have died and dozens have been injured as wildfires spread across northern Algeria, forcing evacuations in coastal provinces. The fires underline the growing danger posed by extreme heat in North Africa, where climate change is intensifying summer wildfire conditions.

Five deaths were reported in Jijel, four in Bejaia and three in Tizi Ouzou, while 54 people sustained burn injuries and six were in intensive care. Firefighters were tackling 69 blazes nationwide, following more than 2,000 fires recorded in July; Bejaia also suffered deadly fires in 2023, when 30 people were killed.