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fire generic Image Credit: Agency

Algiers: At least 26 people were killed and dozens injured Wednesday in forest fires that ravaged parts of northern Algeria, the country's interior minister said.

The minister, Kamel Beldjoud, told state television that 24 people lost their lives in fires in El Tarf, near the border with Tunisia, in addition to two others who died earlier in Setif.

Firefighters and helicopters Are still trying to contain several blazes threatening residents in provinces in the east of the country.