Madrid, Spain – Firefighters and emergency services in the southeastern Spanish province of Almería are intensifying their efforts to control a massive forest fire.
The blaze is one of the deadliest in the country in recent years, having already claimed 12 lives
and forced the evacuation of more than 1,400 residents. The fire continues to spread due to strong winds.
fire continues to spread
The head of the emergency services in Andalusia, Antonio Sanz,
said the fire remains “complex” and continues to spread.
However, firefighters have managed to prevent it from crossing the highway leading to densely populated coastal cities.
The fire broke out on Friday in the Pidar forest area north of Los Gallardos.
Fueled by strong winds, it spread rapidly, resulting in casualties as people tried to escape the flames.
Casualties and widespread evacuation
Authorities have announced that the death toll has reached 12, though their identities remain unconfirmed.
The Almería Institute of Forensic Medicine explained that samples have been sent to Madrid for DNA analysis
and comparison with samples provided by the families of the missing.
Initial estimates indicate that most of the victims are British and Belgian nationals, along with one Spanish citizen.
Eight people were injured, four of whom are in critical condition and receiving treatment at a hospital in Seville.
Authorities have also carried out precautionary evacuations of more than 1,400 people from villages
and areas surrounding the fire. Missing persons reports are still being investigated.
Hundreds of firefighters continue the fight
More than 500 firefighters and emergency personnel are involved in firefighting operations.
Efforts are concentrated on the western front, where the fire is spreading most rapidly.
Authorities reported that the fire has consumed approximately 6,600 hectares of land so far.
In addition, teams continue to use aircraft and ground-based firefighting
equipment to contain the blaze and prevent it from reaching residential areas.
The highest state of alert remains in effect until the fire is fully under control.
