Deadly wildfire in southern Spain kills 12 in Almeria province

A wildfire in Bedar, in Spain's Almeria province, has killed 12 people and injured at least six others, according to regional authorities. The blaze spread through dry vegetation in heatwave conditions and forced evacuations as firefighters worked to contain it. Roads were closed and about 50 people were taken to a cultural centre for shelter.

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The Andalusia government said the death toll was revised up to 12 after the confirmation of six more deaths in the fire area. Some of the dead were found in vehicles, according to the regional government statement. At least six people were injured, including one woman with burns and another person with smoke inhalation, and they were taken to hospital.

About 150 firefighters, backed by five fire trucks, were deployed as temperatures neared 40C. Spain's Military Emergencies Unit was expected to join the firefighting effort as the emergency response expanded. Regional emergency chief Antonio Sanz described the deaths as an unprecedented tragedy and said the pain was immense.

The head of the Andalusia government, Juanma Moreno, also called the blaze a tragedy. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said he was deeply saddened and devastated by the wildfire's consequences. The fire comes as Spain faces a severe heatwave, part of a wider period of extreme heat affecting much of Europe.

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Officials said the blaze spread rapidly through woodland after breaking out in conditions that made firefighting more difficult. Witnesses told authorities that a fallen powerline may have ignited dry vegetation, but the cause has not been confirmed. The incident adds to concerns about the growing strain on emergency services during prolonged hot and dry spells.

Wildfires are a recurring threat in southern Spain, where high temperatures, dry vegetation and strong winds can quickly turn a local fire into a major emergency. The deployment of the Military Emergencies Unit indicates the scale of the response and the seriousness of the situation. Spain has also been preparing for a larger summer wildfire response this year, reflecting the increasing risk posed by extreme heat.

What remains unclear is the exact cause of the fire and whether the suspected powerline played any role. Authorities have not said how many people may still be missing or whether the death toll could rise further. The focus now is on containing the blaze, supporting the injured and assessing damage in the affected area.

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