ALMERIA, Spain , Jul 11 (V7N) — A devastating wildfire swept through a remote expatriate community in southern Spain overnight, killing at least 12 people, injuring eight others and leaving 23 missing, regional authorities said Friday.
The fire erupted late Thursday near the Sierra de Los Filabres in Almeria province amid extreme heat and dry conditions, making it one of the deadliest wildfires in Spain in recent years.
According to Andalusia’s emergency services chief Antonio Sanz, many of the victims died after ignoring official advice to remain indoors. Several people attempted to escape by car or on foot, while others entered a dry riverbed that became trapped by the advancing flames.
Authorities believe four of the victims may have been British nationals after discovering a burned vehicle with a right-hand steering wheel. Most of those who died are thought to be foreign residents, and officials warned the death toll could rise as search operations continue.
One local resident, Dean Taylor, who splits his time between Spain and the United Kingdom, said he narrowly escaped using back roads, describing the experience as frightening and heartbreaking.
More than 150 firefighters, supported by 220 military emergency personnel, are battling the blaze, which has already destroyed over 3,200 hectares of forest and farmland. Officials said steep terrain, strong winds, dry vegetation and prolonged heat have made the fire extremely difficult to contain.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez expressed sympathy for the victims and their families, calling the disaster deeply tragic.
The wildfire comes as Spain and much of Europe endure another period of extreme heat. Spain has experienced repeated heat waves in recent years, with temperatures frequently exceeding 40 degrees Celsius. Experts say hot, dry and windy conditions have increased the risk of fast-moving wildfires.
Elsewhere, France is also facing severe wildfire threats as another heat wave grips the country. Large fires have already burned thousands of hectares, forced evacuations and disrupted the Tour de France. Authorities say one major blaze near the Spanish border has eased but has already scorched around 5,000 hectares and temporarily displaced more than 10,000 residents.
Scientists continue to warn that climate change is increasing the frequency and intensity of heat waves and droughts, creating conditions that make wildfires more destructive across southern Europe.
Spain and neighboring Portugal have experienced several deadly wildfire disasters in the past. Spain's worst wildfire claimed 21 lives in 1979, while Portugal suffered one of Europe's deadliest fires in 2017 when 66 people were killed, many while trying to escape in their vehicles.
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