Wildfire in Spain Kills 12 as Firefighters Battle Blaze

In the southeastern Spanish province of Almería, hundreds of firefighters are battling one of the deadliest wildfires in the country's history. The fire broke out in the forested area of Bédar and spread rapidly due to strong winds. The flames have already claimed the lives of 12 people who were trying to escape the blaze. They are believed to be mainly British and Belgian nationals, along with one Spaniard.

The bodies were transported to Madrid for forensic examination, where their identities will be determined through DNA testing. Eight other people were injured.

Antonio Sanz, head of emergency services in Andalusia, said the situation remains complex, but thanks to overnight efforts, the fire fronts have stabilized and the fire has not crossed the highway to reach populated coastal towns. After days of defensive work, firefighters will finally be able to launch a direct assault on the fire on Saturday.

By Friday evening, authorities had preemptively evacuated more than 1,400 residents. More than 500 firefighters, soldiers and specialists are on the scene, concentrating their efforts on the most intense western edge of the fire. The fire has destroyed 6,600 hectares so far.

Local witnesses describe the disaster with horror, as the flames engulfed everything around them. Within two hours, the fire had spread another 15 km.

(Reuters, Max)