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Spain's deadly wildfires in Almeria claim 12 lives amid heatwave
AP News • • general
Key Points:
- A deadly wildfire in Spain's southern province of Almeria killed 12 people, with several victims found inside burnt vehicles, likely while trying to escape the flames; 8 others were injured and 23 are missing.
- The fire, which consumed over 3,200 hectares of forest and farmland, was reportedly sparked by a fallen power line and spread rapidly due to high temperatures and wind, with victims ignoring shelter-in-place orders.
- Among the dead were four British nationals and other foreign citizens, according to regional emergency officials, who noted that many victims died while fleeing on foot or by car through dangerous terrain.
- Spain and much of Europe are experiencing severe heat waves, exacerbating wildfire risks; 2025 is on track to be one of the hottest years on record, with climate change increasing the frequency and intensity of such events.
- Spain has a history of deadly wildfires, including a 2017 blaze in Portugal that killed 66 people, highlighting ongoing vulnerabilities in the region to heat-driven forest fires.
