At least 12 people have died after a wildfire swept through Los Gallardos in southern Spain. A severe heatwave continues to fuel blazes across southern Europe.
According to BBC, the Andalusian regional government confirmed the deaths on Wednesday. It added that six people sustained injuries in the fire in Almeria.
About 150 firefighters have been working to contain the Spain wildfire, which spread into a wooded area in Los Gallardos. Witnesses claimed a downed power line sparked the blaze, but authorities have not confirmed the cause.
The regional government said the death toll rose after officials confirmed six additional fatalities.
“The number of people who died in the fire in Los Gallardos has risen to 12 after the confirmation of six more deaths,” the Andalusian government said.
Officials found some of the victims inside cars after they reportedly tried to escape the flames during the night.
The head of the Andalusian regional government, Juanma Moreno, described the deaths as a tragedy. He said the region had been left devastated.
“Our hearts are heavy and we are devastated by grief,” he wrote on X.
Emergency officials said one injured person went to hospital after inhaling smoke, while another suffered burns. Four others received treatment at the scene for minor burns and breathing problems caused by thick smoke.
The fire also forced authorities to close roads and evacuate about 1,000 residents from affected areas.
Spain’s Military Emergency Unit said it would join the firefighting operation in Los Gallardos. Meanwhile, emergency teams continue efforts to stop the flames from spreading further.
The Spain wildfire comes during a prolonged heatwave that has pushed temperatures to about 40C across parts of southern Europe.
Firefighters have also been battling major fires in France, Portugal and other parts of Spain. Thousands of people have been forced to leave their homes.
Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez had earlier said Spain would deploy its largest-ever summer wildfire response this year.
Spain has already experienced extreme heat this summer. In June, the country recorded its highest daily average temperature since 1950. Forecasts reached up to 42C in some areas.
Last year, Spain recorded 393,000 hectares of burned land, more than six times the country’s average between 2006 and 2024.
Experts have linked worsening wildfire seasons in the Mediterranean to climate change. This change continues to drive higher temperatures, longer heatwaves and drier conditions.
The Spain wildfire has renewed concerns over the growing threat of extreme weather in Europe. Now, authorities face stronger pressure to protect communities from more frequent and destructive fires.
