Dozens dead as wildfires rip through northern Algeria

The fires are being encouraged by blistering temperatures and tinder-dry conditions.

Wildfires fanned by blistering temperatures and tinder-dry conditions have killed at least 42 people in Algeria, authorities said on Tuesday, adding that the fires had criminal origins. As well as the victims, 25 soldiers and 17 civilians, another 14 soldiers sustained varying degrees of injury. Seventeen civilians died in Tizi Ouzou and Setif, Prime Minister Aimene Benabderrahmane said late Tuesday.