Spain Battles Deadly Wildfire as Death Toll Reaches 13

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez visited the Andalusian town of Turre on Monday, where he met emergency crews responding to one of Spain's deadliest wildfires in recent years. He called for stronger wildfire prevention measures, warning that climate change is making such disasters increasingly frequent.

After four days of firefighting, authorities brought the blaze near Los Gallardos under control. Preliminary figures indicate that at least 13 people were killed, dozens remain missing and nearly 7,000ha (17,300 acres) of land were destroyed.

At its peak, the fire spread at speeds of up to 100m (328 feet) per minute, overwhelming evacuation efforts. Authorities said some victims became trapped in their vehicles or while attempting to escape on foot. Andalusian regional president Juanma Moreno urged greater public awareness of evacuation procedures and a faster response when emergency warnings are issued.

More than 200 firefighters, supported by helicopters and firefighting aircraft, took part in the operation. Crews are now extinguishing remaining hotspots and searching for missing people. Officials cautioned that the final death toll will not be known until autopsies have been completed and the victims have been identified.

Authorities in the United Kingdom, Belgium and France are assisting Spanish investigators by helping identify victims through DNA samples provided by relatives. Investigators believe the wildfire was most likely sparked by a damaged power line that ignited vegetation dried out by temperatures exceeding 40°C (104°F).

(max)