Algeria mourns dozens lost to fast-moving wildfires

Algeria mourns dozens lost to fast-moving wildfires

Algerian authorities say they’ve mobilized all resources to combat wildfires that have claimed at least 38 lives in the El Tarf and Setif districts of the country’s northeast. The month of August has seen at least 106 different fires reported through Wednesday, with hundreds more people injured and homes and…

Death toll rises to 69 in Algeria’s wildfires

Death toll rises to 69 in Algeria’s wildfires

The death toll from wildfires sweeping across parts of Algeria rose to 69 on Wednesday, according to a local official in the hard-hit district of Tizi Ouzou. Abdelkader Amrouche, the attorney general for the region, confirmed that the number included 20 soldiers who responded to the emergency when the fires…

Scholars to help restore collections destroyed by UCT library fire

The University of Cape Town and scholars across the globe are working quickly to see how they can replace treasured materials that were destroyed during the Table Mountain wildfire last weekend. UCT’s Special Collections consist of print and audiovisual material on African studies and other specialized subjects, including more than…

Tanzania sees progress on Kilimanjaro wildfire

Tanzanian environmental minister Hamisi Kigwangalla visited the scene of a wildfire burning through Kilimanjaro National Park on Wednesday, checking on fire suppression efforts and thanking those battling the flames. Community volunteers have joined professionals in working to put out a fire that TANAPA, the Tanzania National Parks authority, said broke…

Calima winds fuel fires, drive Saharan dust across Canary Islands

Authorities in the Canary Islands called for evacuations as a Saharan dust storm, in some places driven by hurricane-force winds, fueled wildfires that drove people toward the beaches to seek refuge. In Tasarte, fires broke out on Saturday night and claimed some homes, although firefighters appeared successful in setting up…

Uganda native is latest victim of U.S. wildfires

A native of Uganda has been identified as the latest victim of relentless wildfires in the United States, most of them affecting the state of California. Jairus Ayeta, a 21-year-old immigrant originally from Kampala, was working as an apprentice lineman for the Pacific Gas & Electric utility company on Saturday…