A devastating wildfire in southeastern Spain has claimed at least 12 lives, making it one of the deadliest in the country's recent history. The fire, which started near the village of Bedar in Andalusia, has forced the evacuation of thousands of residents and tourists from nearby areas.
Emergency services, including hundreds of firefighters and military personnel, are working to contain the blaze amid challenging conditions, including high temperatures and strong winds. The fire has already scorched thousands of hectares of land, destroying homes and infrastructure.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez expressed condolences to the victims' families and pledged government support for the affected regions. Authorities are investigating the cause of the fire, which may be linked to a lightning strike, according to preliminary reports.
Local officials have set up emergency shelters for evacuees and are coordinating relief efforts. The fire is not yet fully contained, and weather forecasts suggest continued risk of flare-ups in the coming days.
