Spain wildfire kills at least 11, leaves dozens missing

At least 11 people were killed and 19 others are missing after a wildfire tore through the Andalusia region of southern Spain Source: scmp, though other reports later raised the death toll to 12 Source: apnews. The fast-moving blaze broke out on Thursday near the town of Los Gallardos in Almería province and swept through the hamlet of Bedar, trapping some victims in their vehicles Source: cna. Regional authorities described it as 'the most devastating fire to date in our region' Source: cnn.

The response

About 150 firefighters and 220 soldiers from Spain's Military Emergency Unit were deployed to battle the flames Source: npr. Some 1,000 residents were evacuated, and roads were closed Source: apnews. Six people were injured, four seriously Source: cna.

The missing and cause

Authorities reported 19 people missing, but CNN cited regional leader Juanma Moreno saying at least 23 remain unaccounted for Source: cnn. Witnesses said the fire may have started from a fallen power line, but the cause has not been officially confirmed Source: bbc.

The context

Spain and other parts of Europe are enduring a heatwave, with temperatures reaching 40°C (104°F) Source: scmp. Europe is the fastest-warming continent, and scientists link such extreme fire conditions to climate change Source: apnews.