Forest fire kills over 20 people in north Algeria

At least 26 people died, and dozens of others were injured in forest fires that ravaged 14 districts of northern Algeria on Wednesday, the interior minister, Kamel Beldjoud said, Report informs, citing foreign media sources.

The minister told state television that 24 people lost their lives in fires in El Tarf, near the border with Tunisia, in addition to two others who died earlier in Setif.

The earlier toll said four people in Souk Ahras suffered burns and 41 others had breathing difficulties, the authorities said. Media reports said 350 residents had been evacuated.