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Fast‑Moving Wildfire in Southern Spain Kills at Least 11 and Leaves Dozens Missing

Dry heatwave conditions created fast‑spreading flames, prompting mass evacuations, with authorities opening a formal investigation into the cause.

Overview

  • The blaze erupted late on Thursday and by Friday regional authorities said at least 11–12 people had died and roughly 19–23 were unaccounted for as search teams continued operations.
  • Many victims appear to be foreign nationals and several bodies were found inside burned vehicles, with officials saying four people in a right‑hand‑drive car likely were British pending formal identification.
  • Firefighters, Spain’s Military Emergency Unit and aircraft remain engaged, and around 3,150–3,200 hectares of woodland and farmland have burned as crews fight flames in steep, ravined terrain.
  • Witnesses and some local officials reported a fallen power cable as a possible ignition source, but the utility disputed that claim and investigators say the cause remains unconfirmed.
  • The fire took place during an intense early‑summer heatwave that dried vegetation, a pattern experts link to higher wildfire risk and that has strained Spain’s emergency resources this season.