2021 Image of the Fires in Algeria Resurfaced
The Claim
This photo is from the recent wildfires in Algeria.
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Emerging story
Social media users have recently circulated a photo purporting that it is from the recent wildfires in Algeria.
Misbar’s Analysis
Misbar investigated the circulating claim and found it to be misleading. The photo dates back to 2021.
Misbar’s team conducted a reverse image search on Google and found that the original photo was shared by Reuters with the following description: “Villagers attempt to put out a wildfire, in Achallam village, in the mountainous Kabylie region of Tizi Ouzou, east of Algiers, Algeria August 11, 2021. Picture taken August 11, 2021. REUTERS/Abdelaziz Boumzar.”
2021 Wildfires in Algeria
In August 2021, more than 70 fires were recorded across Algeria, including in the provinces of Tizi Ouzou, Setif, Khenchela, Guelma, Bejaïa, Bordj Bou Arreridj, Boumerdès, Tiaret, Jijel, Medea, Tébessa, Blida, and Skikda.
A total of 90 people were killed in the wildfires in Algeria in 2021, including 57 civilians and 33 soldiers. A blaze trapped the soldiers during rescue operations, and they died as a result.
2022 Wildfires in Algeria
14 provinces in Algeria were affected by the fires that began spreading across the North of country on Wednesday August 17. There were 34 deaths reported in the province of El Taref alone. A family of five were found dead in their home, and eight people died on a public bus whose driver was surprised by the flames while traveling in a mountainous area. There have been over 37 deaths and dozens of injuries caused by the wildfires in Algeria.
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