Key facts
- A wildfire in Spain's Almeria province has killed at least 12 people.
- Four Britons are feared to be among the deceased.
- Another 23 people are missing.
- The fire spread rapidly due to high temperatures, dry conditions, and wind.
- The cause of the fire is under investigation.
Emergency services in south-eastern Spain are battling to contain one of the country's deadliest wildfires, which has killed at least 12 people, including four Britons, in Almeria province. Another 23 people remain missing, and authorities fear the death toll could rise. The blaze, which spread rapidly on Thursday afternoon due to a sustained heatwave with temperatures around 40C (104F), dry ground, and strong winds, has devastated the village of Bedar. The cause of the fire is under investigation, with a fallen power line suggested but denied by local electricity companies. Some victims reportedly did not follow evacuation orders. Conditions are expected to improve on Saturday. This incident ranks among Spain's deadliest wildfires, with previous major fires occurring in 1984 and 1979. Climate change is contributing to increased heatwaves and wildfires in Europe.