At least 12 people have died and 23 are missing in a devastating wildfire in southern Spain, with hundreds of firefighters battling to contain the blaze. The fire, which may have been caused by a downed power line, has ravaged a wooded area around Los Gallardos, Almería, and has left many more injured, including four people with serious burns.
The victims, including four possible British nationals, were found in and around the small village of Bédar, just outside Los Gallardos. Eight people were found trying to escape the flames, while four others were trapped in their car, which had a right-hand steering wheel, indicating it may have been driven by foreigners.
Wildfire in Spain
The fire has been described as the “most devastating” in Andalusia’s history, with the regional leader Juanma Moreno warning that the death toll could rise significantly. The UK Foreign Office has contacted Spanish authorities, and Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prévot has said that many Belgians have second homes in the area and are trying to contact those who may be affected.
The fire has led to road closures and the evacuation of 1,000 residents, with Spain’s Military Emergency Unit deploying 220 soldiers and 70 vehicles to combat the blaze. The country’s civil guard has also added 160 law enforcement personnel to aid in the emergency response.
The cause of the fire is still under investigation, but it is believed to have been sparked by a downed power line. The electricity company Endesa has contested this claim, saying that the fallen power line was inactive and did not belong to them.
Response and Reactions
The fire has sparked a major response from emergency services, with many working to contain the blaze and search for those who may still be missing. The fire has also raised concerns about the impact of climate change, which is driving up temperatures around the world and increasing the risk of wildfires.
Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has said that Spain will deploy its largest-ever summer wildfire response this year, as the country struggles to cope with the increasing threat of wildfires. The fire is a tragic reminder of the devastating impact of wildfires, which can have a profound impact on communities and the environment.
