Spanish wildfire death toll rises as heatwave continues to wreak havoc
A wildfire in southern Spain has resulted in 12 deaths as the country faces an intense heatwave. Authorities are investigating whether a fallen powerline ignited the blaze, which has prompted emergency evacuations and military intervention.
Why it matters
The incident highlights the increasing danger of wildfires in Europe exacerbated by extreme heatwaves and climate-related conditions.
Firefighters have been battling wildfires in Spain this week, including near the Serra d'Espadàn nature reserve. ( UME/Castellon Firefighters )
A wildfire in southern Spain has killed 12 people, authorities say.
Witnesses say that the blaze may have started after a powerline fell and ignited dry vegetation, but authorities have not yet confirmed the cause.
Spain's Military Emergencies Unit is set to join the firefighting efforts.
Link copied Share Share article A wildfire that ripped through a hamlet in southern Spain has killed 12 people, authorities say, as a heatwave stifles swathes of the country.
Some of the dead in Bedar, Almeria province, were found in vehicles, the regional government said in a statement, revising an earlier toll of six dead.
Firefighters have been battling forest infernos in heatwave-scarred Europe, as temperatures rise again.
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