Key facts
- A wildfire in southern Spain has killed at least 12 people.
- The fire has scorched approximately 66 square kilometers of forest and farmland.
- Hundreds of firefighters are engaged in efforts to contain the blaze.
- Most victims reportedly died after ignoring shelter-in-place instructions.
- Authorities have evacuated over 1,400 people from affected areas.
- The fire broke out late Thursday in Almeria province.
Hundreds of firefighters, supported by aircraft, are battling a significant wildfire in southern Spain's Almeria province that has resulted in at least 12 fatalities. The blaze, which ignited late Thursday, has consumed approximately 66 square kilometers of forest and farmland. Authorities believe most of the victims, who are suspected to be foreign nationals, died after disregarding evacuation orders. Seven individuals perished on foot after abandoning their vehicles, and four victims are suspected to be British based on their vehicle's steering wheel position.
Fire crews employed controlled burns overnight in an effort to contain the fire, which is being aided by lighter winds and higher humidity, though its vast size remains a challenge. Over 1,400 people have been evacuated from 11 areas. Spanish Justice Minister Félix Bolaños linked the fire's intensity to a "climate emergency," noting its rapid advance at times.
Spain has experienced severe heat waves and wildfires in recent years, with last year's season burning over 971,000 acres. Europe, as a whole, is warming at twice the global average, contributing to frequent and intense heat waves and wildfires. France is also experiencing wildfires amid soaring temperatures, with authorities arresting 32 people for suspected arson since the summer began. French President Emmanuel Macron highlighted that human activity is the cause of most wildfires.