At least 65 people, including 25 soldiers have been killed as the Algeria wildfires continue to cause widespread devastation. Over 1000 workers are now tackling the blaze in the forests and mountains outside of the capital of Algiers.

The wildfires is believed to have been brought on by excessive heatwaves of up to 48 degrees Celsius, however, Interior Minister Kamel Beldjoud has speculated that the blaze may have been intentionally started and that “Only criminal hands can be behind the simultaneous outbreak of about 50 fires.”

Prime Minister Ayman Benabderrahmane has also claimed that the fires could be a result of a criminal act, but there is so far no evidence of the claims made.

The fires, which have been raging since the 9th of August, are some of the worst the country has seen in recent memory. Several separate fires have also raged through forest areas across northern Algeria this week.

Wildfires across Europe have been raging in the last few weeks, with Turkey and Greece also experiencing unprecedented heatwaves that have resulted in wildfires.