A deadly wildfire in southeastern Spain has claimed at least 12 lives as extreme heat continues to drive fires across southern Europe.
At least 12 people have died after a fast-moving wildfire swept through Los Gallardos in Spain’s southeastern Almería province, according to the Andalusian regional government. Six others were injured, while around 1,000 residents were forced to evacuate.
Several victims were found inside vehicles that had been engulfed by flames. Witnesses said the fire may have started after a power line fell, but authorities have not yet confirmed the cause.
Around 150 firefighters are battling the blaze near the hamlet of Bedar, with support from Spain’s Military Emergency Unit (UME). Some roads remain closed as emergency crews work to contain the fire.
Regional President Juanma Moreno described the incident as “a tragedy” and expressed condolences to the families of the victims.
The disaster comes as a prolonged heatwave pushes temperatures close to 40°C across southern Europe, triggering major wildfires in Spain, Portugal, and France.
Spain has experienced record-breaking heat in recent years. Last year, nearly 393,000 hectares of land were destroyed by wildfires, according to the European Forest Fire Information System (EFFIS).
Scientists say climate change is increasing temperatures across Europe, making heatwaves more frequent and wildfires more intense. The continent is warming twice as fast as the global average, according to the Copernicus climate service.
Authorities continue to battle the blaze as Europe faces another dangerous wildfire season driven by extreme heat.
