Tragedy in Algeria: Fire at Orphanage Kills at Least 11, Injures 19 Amid Heatwave

A tragic fire at an orphanage on the outskirts of Algiers has claimed the lives of at least 11 people and left 19 others injured. The blaze erupted Tuesday night at the Mohammedia Children's Welfare Foundation, according to Algerian emergency services. Rescuers arrived at the scene around 3 a.m. to combat the flames. The cause of the fire remains under investigation, and the ages of the victims, including whether any children were among the deceased, have not yet been released.

Algerian Prime Minister Aïmene Benabderrahmane visited injured individuals at two hospitals in the Algiers area following the incident. The country is currently grappling with an unusual and intense heatwave, particularly in its northern regions, where temperatures have remained exceptionally high. This extreme weather has exacerbated the fire situation.

In the past week alone, from July 8 to July 15, Algerian civil protection services recorded 932 fires. Of these, 913 had been extinguished by Wednesday morning, according to the official APS news agency. Over 19,000 personnel, more than 700 vehicles, six helicopters, and twelve firefighting aircraft have been mobilized to tackle the blazes. A municipal employee in the Setif province died while fighting a fire, local media reported.

Wildfires are a recurring issue in northern Algeria each summer, intensified by drought and high temperatures. In recent years, these fires have caused numerous fatalities and extensive damage to forests, crops, and homes. Authorities have indicated that some fires are deliberately set, and security forces have made arrests of suspects.

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Civil protection services continue firefighting operations.