Twelve die in wildfire in Spain as heatwave continues in southern Europe
A devastating wildfire in Spain's Almería province has claimed at least 12 lives, with hundreds of firefighters struggling to contain blazes across southern Europe amid a record-breaking heatwave. Authorities are investigating the cause, while thousands of residents have been forced to evacuate their homes.
Why it matters
The incident underscores the increasing frequency and severity of climate-driven disasters in Europe, posing significant challenges to emergency response infrastructure and public safety.
Image source, EPA By Helen Sullivan Published 46 minutes ago At least 12 people have died in a wildfire in Los Gallardos in the southeastern province of Almería, according to the Andalusian regional government, while six have been injured.
Some of the victims were found inside vehicles which had been engulfed by the flames. Witnesses say the fire was caused by a downed power line, with the blaze spreading quickly to a nearby wooded area. Authorities have not confirmed the cause of the fire.
A sustained heatwave with temperatures of around 40C (104F) has caused wildfires across southern Europe.
Hundreds of firefighters are battling major incidents in France, Portugal and Spain, with thousands forced to leave their homes.
"The number of people who died in the fire in Los Gallardos has risen to 12 after the confirmation of six more deaths," the regional government of Andalusia said in a statement.
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