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Six dead in Spanish wildfires

Six dead in Spanish wildfires

From NRC Handelsblad · () Dutch

Translated from Dutch, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Sources not specified Ongoing story
  • At least six people died in wildfires in Spain's southern province of Almería, with victims found in vehicles.
  • The fire reportedly started Thursday afternoon due to a fallen electricity cable and quickly spread to a nearby forest.
  • Extreme heat has gripped Europe for weeks, fueling severe wildfires across southern France and Spain, with red alerts issued for Friday.

Wildfires in Spain's southern province of Almería have claimed the lives of at least six people, with victims discovered deceased inside vehicles, according to Spanish media reports. The devastating blaze ignited on Thursday afternoon, reportedly sparked by a fallen electricity cable that rapidly propelled flames into a nearby forest.

In response to the escalating danger, approximately one hundred residents were evacuated as a precautionary measure, and several roads were closed. The regional minister of Health, Antonio Sanz, conveyed his condolences to the victims' families, stating, "All of Andalusia mourns today."

Currently, 150 emergency responders, supported by five fire engines, are battling the inferno. The military emergency unit has been deployed, alongside helicopters and water-bombing aircraft. Local firefighters report that the fire is raging mere meters from some homes, fanned by wind gusts reaching up to 50 kilometers per hour.

This tragedy unfolds as extreme heat has gripped Europe for weeks, contributing to severe wildfires in southern France and Spain. Red alerts have been issued for numerous French and Spanish regions for Friday, underscoring the persistent threat posed by the ongoing heatwave.

All of Andalusia mourns today.

— Antonio SanzThe regional minister of Health expressing condolences for the victims of the wildfires.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by NRC Handelsblad in Dutch. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.