Spain wildfire containment efforts advance after deadly blaze

Firefighters made progress on Saturday in containing a devastating wildfire in southern Spain that has claimed the lives of 12 people. The blaze, which ignited on Thursday in the Gallardos area of Andalusia, had previously sent terrified residents fleeing their homes, leaving the hardest-hit village of Bedar deserted amidst charred vegetation and blackened houses.

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We were absolutely terrified. We could see the flames. It was horrific. It was like hell.

Calmer winds and increased air humidity provided a crucial window for the approximately 500 firefighters, supported by over 20 water-dropping aircraft, to directly confront the flames. Spanish Justice Minister Felix Bolanos, visiting the affected region, reported that the fire's spread had been halted for the day, with the burnt area remaining stable at 6,600 hectares. He expressed hope that the blaze would be under control within hours.

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I said to my wife: 'Get out quick, leave everything. Get out.' And the time it took to say that I was engulfed in a ball of fire.

The victims, most of whom were foreigners, were reportedly trapped in vehicles or died while attempting to escape on foot. Officials noted that some individuals did not adhere to evacuation orders or shelter-in-place directives. The fast-moving fire necessitated the evacuation of around 1,500 people. Eight individuals remain hospitalized, including four in a specialized burns unit.

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The fire has not spread at all today.

Witnesses described harrowing escapes. Jerome Navarro recounted fleeing his holiday home with his wife, who remains missing, after being engulfed in flames. Briton Austin Crilly described seeing a "huge black cloud" before police ordered an immediate evacuation. Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez is scheduled to visit the fire-ravaged area on Monday.

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We have taken advantage of a window of opportunity, with favourable weather conditions in terms of wind and humidity today, to intensify our efforts.