Tunisia records 900 fires in 72-hour window during intense heatwave
Tunisia experienced around 900 fires over a 72-hour period amid an intense heatwave. Authorities reported that most blazes were extinguished, but two major fires continued to burn, prompting assistance from Italy and Algeria. The extreme temperatures and dried vegetation contributed to the widespread ignitions.
- ▪At least 900 fires broke out between July 20 and 22, affecting forests, brushland, crops and houses.
- ▪Temperatures reached 40‑49 °C, up to 14 °C above seasonal averages.
- ▪International aid included one Italian firefighting aircraft and two Algerian planes.
- ▪Approximately 4,400 hectares of forestland burned from May 1 to July 23, nearly double the area burned the previous year.
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News Tunisia records 900 fires in 72-hour window during intense heatwave Charred forestland following a fire, Ghar El Melh, Tunisia, 22 July 2026. - Copyright © africanews Anis Mili/Copyright 2026 The AP. All rights reserved. By Rédaction Africanews with AFP Last updated: 56 minutes ago Tunisia At least 900 fires broke out in Tunisia over a 72-hour period, a senior official said on Friday, as the country grapples with an intense heatwave. "These are not only forest fires but also brushland, crops, houses," said civil protection official Khalil Mechri, without offering details on the areas affected. He said most of the blazes recorded between 20 and 22 July had been extinguished, though two major ones were still raging.
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