One of Spain's deadliest wildfires has killed at least 11 people
A devastating wildfire in southern Spain has resulted in at least 11 deaths and the evacuation of 1,000 residents. Authorities suspect a fallen power line sparked the blaze, which was exacerbated by extreme heat and dry conditions.
Why it matters
The incident highlights the increasing danger of wildfires in Europe, where climate change is accelerating temperature rises and creating conditions for more frequent, intense disasters.
MADRID — A wildfire in southern Spain has killed at least 11 people, making it one of the country's deadliest on record, as soaring temperatures grip much of the country, authorities said early Friday.
Several victims of the fire in Almeria were found inside burnt-out vehicles, local media reported. Six others have been injured in the blaze, which 150 firefighters and 220 soldiers from Spain's military emergency unit were battling Friday.
Spanish authorities reported earlier that 12 people had died, but revised the death toll Friday morning.
The fire broke out in a hamlet in a semi-arid area near the Sierra de Los Filabres mountains. Authorities have not confirmed the cause of the fire, but said people who called to report it said that a fallen power line had sparked a blaze that spread rapidly into a nearby forest.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in