Wildfire death toll rises to 12 in southern Spain; conditions improve

Firefighters are gaining ground against a devastating wildfire in southern Spain that has claimed at least 12 lives and scorched nearly 6,600 hectares since Thursday. The blaze, which erupted near Almeria, is the deadliest wildfire in the region in more than two decades.

Authorities reported an improvement in conditions overnight, which is allowing for a more direct assault on the flames. "This is the first day we will be able to mount a direct attack on the fire," said Antonio Sanz, the regional emergency services chief. "Until now, weather conditions and the behaviour of the blaze only allowed us to work defensively."

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The situation improved overnight, and weather conditions are allowing us to face the day with better prospects than yesterday.

The fire spread rapidly through a wooded area near the town of Los Gallardos and the hamlet of Bedar. Many of the victims are believed to be foreign nationals, as the area is a popular destination for European expatriates and tourists. Twenty-three people remain unaccounted for.

Tragically, the deaths appear to have occurred when individuals attempted to flee the advancing fire in their cars, despite warnings from local officials to stay put. While the village of Bedar largely escaped the flames, those trying to evacuate drove directly into the path of the fire.

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This is the first day we will be able to mount a direct attack on the fire. Until now, weather conditions and the behaviour of the blaze only allowed us to work defensively.