Dozens hurt as fire sweeps through southwestern Egypt

CAIRO (AA) – A huge fire swept through palm plantations in Egypt’s southwestern province of New Valley, injuring dozens, according to Egyptian officials.

A total of 37 people were hurt, mostly by smoke inhalation, in the fire that broke out in the provincial capital al-Rashda on Friday, the official MENA news agency quoted governor Mohamed al-Zamlout as saying.

No deaths were reported.

The governor said the flames swept through an area of 100 feddan (420,000 square meters) due to speedy winds.

“Bad weather is making it more difficult to put out the fire,” he said.

According to the governor, Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi has ordered the dispatch of four military aircraft to help extinguish the fires, which were brought under control on Saturday.

The cause of the fire remains unclear.