In brief
A fierce fire in Los Gallardos, Almería, has claimed 12 deaths and injured six, with victims found in burning vehicles. Authorities point to a downed power line as the spark, and flames spread rapidly across nearby woods. The blaze comes amid a relentless 40 °C heatwave that has triggered multiple wildfires in France, Portugal, and Spain. Climate change is cited as a major factor in Europe’s rising temperatures and increased fire risk, with experts warning that such destructive events will likely become more common.
At least 12 people died, and six were injured, in a wildfire that erupted in Los Gallardos in the southern province of Almería, according to Andalusian officials.
Victims were reportedly found inside cars engulfed by flames, and witnesses say a downed power line sparked the blaze that quickly spread to nearby woods. Authorities have not yet confirmed the exact cause.
The disaster occurs during a relentless heatwave that has already set temperatures around 40°C in southern Europe, driving large-scale fires in France, Portugal and Spain.
Hundreds of firefighters are battling incidents across the region, and Spain has deployed its biggest-ever summer wildfire response. The Spanish Military Emergency Unit (UME) joined teams in Los Gallardos.
Climate scientists say Europe’s temperatures are rising twice as fast as the global average, magnifying the risk of severe wildfires and intense heatwaves. Experts warn that such events will likely become more frequent.
