▲ A wildfire in the Andalusia region of Spain
A major wildfire broke out in the Andalusia region of southern Spain on the evening of July 9 (local time), leaving at least 11 people dead, AFP reported.
According to local authorities, some of the victims were found inside incinerated vehicles. The total death toll is already higher than the combined number of wildfire-related deaths recorded throughout all of last year.
Local rescue authorities stated that the victims appear to include four British nationals and other foreigners whose identities have not yet been confirmed.
Authorities also reported that 19 people are currently unaccounted for.
Officials explained that more than 1,000 residents have been evacuated due to the fire, and several people suffering from burns or smoke inhalation have received treatment at the scene and in hospitals.
Witnesses reported in initial calls that the fire began when power lines fell, and the flames spread rapidly to forest areas near the road.
Since the night of July 9, authorities have deployed approximately 150 firefighters and 220 members of the Military Emergencies Unit to carry out containment efforts.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez wrote on X, "I am deeply saddened and distressed by the terrible aftermath of this wildfire," and urged residents to "exercise extreme caution."
In recent years, Spain has experienced frequent heatwaves from spring through summer, with dry weather conditions where daytime highs exceed 40°C (104°F) creating an environment vulnerable to wildfires.
In response, Prime Minister Sanchez announced in late May that the country would launch its largest-ever response system to prevent wildfires this summer.
According to the European Forest Fire Information System (EFFIS), more than 393,000 hectares of land were destroyed by wildfires in Spain last year.
This was the largest scale of damage in Spain's modern history.
(Photo: AP, Yonhap News)
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