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British couple rescued from ravine after Spain wildfires
๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ง United Kingdom /Disasters & Emergencies

British couple rescued from ravine after Spain wildfires

From BBC News · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Sources not specified Ongoing story
  • British couple suffering severe burns were rescued from a ravine during wildfires in Spain.
  • Rescuers heard cries for help and located the couple in critical condition, with burns covering 40% of their bodies.
  • The wildfires, exacerbated by a heatwave, have caused multiple fatalities in Spain and France, with ongoing efforts to identify victims.

A British couple, found in critical condition with severe burns, were rescued from a ravine amid raging wildfires in Spain's southern region. Civil Guard officers searching near the village of Bedar heard faint cries for help in the early hours of Friday. Sergeant Pedro Barre described the challenging climb down a hillside to reach the couple, who were semi-conscious and had burns covering 40% of their bodies.

As you gain more experience, something inside you tells you, 'Look again, try one more time.'

โ€” Sergeant Pedro BarreDescribing the moment rescuers heard cries for help.

"Being able to call out in the condition they were in was a titanic effort," said Rafael Zea, another officer involved. Barre added, "We'll never forget that look of surprise and emotion on their faces." The rescue occurred during a sustained heatwave that has fueled wildfires across Southern Europe, particularly in France, Portugal, and Spain.

Being able to call out in the condition they were in was a titanic effort.

โ€” Rafael ZeaCommenting on the couple's critical state.

The area around Bedar has been devastated, with the local mayor likening the impact to a bomb falling. This fire is described as the most devastating the region has faced. Hundreds of firefighters, military personnel, and aircraft are still battling the blaze. Forensic scientists are working to identify victims using DNA samples, a process complicated by relatives traveling from abroad. The wildfires have already become some of the deadliest in Spanish history, with at least 12 confirmed deaths.

We'll never forget that look of surprise and emotion on their faces.

โ€” Sergeant Pedro BarreRecalling the moment of discovery.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by BBC News in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.