At least 7 dead as Algeria battles raging wildfires
Interior Minister Kamel Beldjoud blamed criminal activity as civil defense teams worked to contain the fires.
Raging wildfires in Algeria have left at least seven people dead and several seriously injured, according to the Algerian interior minister, who blamed arson for the blazes that broke out Monday.
Interior Minister Kamel Beldjoud said on Tuesday that six people were killed in Tizi Ouzou and one in Setif. Beldjoud gave instructions for hotels, youth hostels and other available facilities to accommodate residents displaced by the fires.
"The current priority is to protect the local populations and preserve lives," Beldjoud said, according to the Algeria Press Service.
"Fifty fires starting at the same time is impossible. These fires are of criminal origin," he said, adding there will be an investigation. Three people suspected of arson were detained south of Algiers in Medea, according to Algerian public radio.
