The death toll from a devastating wildfire in southern Spain has climbed to 12, after another six bodies were recovered from the charred landscape, as firefighters race to stop the flames from spreading through communities already battered by an intense heatwave.
The latest victims were confirmed by the Andalusian regional government following the fire that tore through Los Gallardos in Almería province. Six people have also been injured as emergency teams continue rescue and firefighting operations in the affected area.
Some of those who lost their lives were discovered inside vehicles that had been swallowed by the fast-moving blaze. While witnesses believe a fallen power line sparked the fire before it spread into nearby woodland, officials have not confirmed what triggered the disaster.
"The number of people who died in the fire in Los Gallardos has risen to 12 after the confirmation of six more deaths," the regional government of Andalusia said in a statement.
Regional government leader Juanma Moreno described the loss of life as "a tragedy". After the first six deaths were announced, he wrote on X: "Our hearts are heavy and we are devastated by grief."
About 150 firefighters remained on the ground battling the flames around the hamlet of Bedar, where the fire continued to pose a threat. One of the injured was admitted to hospital after suffering smoke inhalation, while another sustained burns. Four others were treated at the scene for minor burns and breathing problems caused by thick smoke.
Emergency services also ordered road closures and evacuated about 1,000 residents as the wildfire advanced across the area.
The deadly blaze comes as southern Europe grapples with soaring temperatures of around 40C, creating conditions that have sparked multiple wildfires in Spain, Portugal and France. Hundreds of firefighters have been deployed across the three countries, while thousands of people have been forced to leave their homes.
Earlier this year, Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez announced that Spain would roll out its biggest summer wildfire response on record, according to local media and AFP. As the situation in Los Gallardos worsened, Spain's Military Emergency Unit (UME), which responds to large-scale emergencies, confirmed it would support firefighting efforts.
Spain has experienced unusually high temperatures in recent months. In June, the country recorded its highest daily average temperature since 1950, with forecasts showing some areas could reach as high as 42C.
Figures from the European Forest Fire Information System (EFFIS) show that 393,000 hectares burned across Spain last year, more than six times the country's average between 2006 and 2024.
Scientists continue to warn that climate change is making heatwaves more frequent and intense. According to the Copernicus climate service, Europe is warming twice as fast as the rest of the world, increasing the risk of prolonged dry conditions and destructive wildfires.
The hotter climate has also placed greater pressure on water supplies while creating conditions that allow fires to spread faster and burn for longer periods.
Last year became the European Union's worst wildfire season since records began in 2006, with more than one million hectares destroyed by fires across the bloc.
A separate study by the World Weather Attribution group at Imperial College London linked the worsening wildfire seasons in the Mediterranean directly to climate change. Researchers warn that unless temperatures are brought under control, Europe is likely to face more frequent and more destructive wildfire disasters in the years ahead.