Tunisia Fully Contains Fires That Swept Through Several Areas

Tunisian Interior Minister Kamal Feki stated today, Wednesday, that Tunisian firefighters have completely controlled the fires that swept through several regions of the country, with the help of elements from the Algerian military and firefighting planes from Spain. Feki told Parliament that the recent fires did not result in any loss of life and that 600 residents returned to their homes after earlier evacuation operations. He added that elements from the Algerian military and firefighting planes from Spain participated in the firefighting efforts alongside Tunisian agencies and forces. Wildfires have ravaged areas in Algeria, resulting in at least 34 fatalities, including 10 soldiers, while the fires spread to Tunisian areas including the forests of Tabarka, Jendouba, Beja, Siliana, and Bizerte. The wildfires in Tunisia forced hundreds to evacuate their homes amid an unprecedented heatwave affecting the North African region and Southern Europe, with temperatures reaching up to 49 degrees Celsius (120 degrees Fahrenheit) in some cities in Tunisia this week.