Algerian television announced Wednesday that forest fires raging in areas in the north of the country have claimed the lives of at least 65 people, including 25 soldiers who tried to save residents.

Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune wrote on his official Twitter account, "With great sadness and sorrow, I received the news of the martyrdom of 25 members of the People's National Army, after they succeeded in rescuing more than 100 citizens from the blazing fires in the mountains of Bejaia and Tizi Ouzou."

Algerian Prime Minister Aymen Benabderrahmane said Tuesday that preliminary investigations proved the existence of criminal intent in the forest fires that have recently ravaged the country.

Benabderrahmane said in a statement that although the current heat wave did help to spread the fire, there has also been criminal action at play.

He added that the state is working with European partners to rent planes to extinguish the fires, praising the citizens' solidarity campaign in combating them.

Firefighters are still trying to contain the blazes.