At least 12 people have died, eight were injured, and 23 others are missing after a wildfire tore through a remote expat community in southern Spain's Almeria province. The blaze, one of Spain's deadliest, broke out late Thursday near the Sierra de Los Filabres mountains in a semi-arid area as the country grappled with soaring temperatures.
Key Takeaways
A wildfire in southern Spain's Almeria province has killed at least 12 people and injured eight, with 23 others missing. The fire broke out near the Sierra de Los Filabres mountains, fueled by high temperatures and dry conditions.
- Wildfire kills at least 12 in Spain
- Eight injured, 23 missing
- Firefighters battling blaze that has consumed over 7,900 acres
- Authorities believe four British nationals among the dead
Source Claims Check
1 Difference Found| Claim | Status | Reason | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fire Location And Cause | 1 Difference | Majority reports unknown cause; Los Angeles Times and NPR cite fallen power line | ▼ |
| Death Toll | Broad Agreement | At least 12 dead, 8 injured, 23 missing | |
| Fire Size | Broad Agreement | Over 7,900 acres burned |
Most victims died while attempting to flee despite shelter-in-place instructions. Authorities believe four British nationals and other unspecified foreign nationals are among the deceased. The fire has consumed more than 3,200 hectares (7,900 acres) of forest and farmland, with 150 firefighters and 220 soldiers battling the blaze.
The fire's cause remains unconfirmed, but reports suggest a fallen power line may have sparked it. The steep, dry terrain has made containment difficult, with the fire still burning as of Friday afternoon. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez expressed his condolences, calling the situation 'immense sadness and desolation.'
Spain has faced frequent and severe heat waves in recent years, contributing to the intensity of wildfires. In June, Spain experienced several days of record-setting heat, with over 1,000 excess deaths attributed to heat. Europe is the world's fastest-warming continent, with temperatures increasing twice as fast as the global average since the 1980s.
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