About 500 firefighters in Spain were trying to control a blaze that killed 12 people on Thursday in the Gallardos region of Almeria province, where many foreign residents live.
After visiting the affected area, Justice Minister Félix Bolaños said, “The fire has not spread at all today,” adding that the area burned was 6,600 hectares (16,300 acres).
He said calm winds and high levels of humidity in the air are aiding the fire extinguishing efforts and expressed hope that the flames will be brought under control soon.
Extreme heat, wind fuel Spain’s fast-growing wildfires
Authorities suspect the wildfire started when a power cable snapped as Spain grapples with scorching temperatures, which have exceeded 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit) in recent weeks.
At its worst, the fire spread at a rate of 100 meters (328 feet) per minute, “an intensity and severity we had never seen before,” Bolanos said.
“This is clearly a consequence of the climate emergency that the world is facing,” he said.
Foreigners also among victims of Spain’s wildfires
Most of the victims who died in the fast-moving fire ignored instructions to shelter in place, officials said. Most were foreigners, although their identities have not been released.
Antonio Sanz, emergency head of the Andalusian regional government, said police found no more victims after searching the affected areas, but warned that the search was still ongoing.
“That doesn’t mean it can’t happen, but after the Civil Guard has cleared the area, including places that were still hotspots, it gives us hope,” he said.
Saenz said the report of 23 people missing is misleading, as the figure refers to people whose relatives were unable to contact and who may have already reached evacuation centers or other safe locations.
Edited by: Shawn Sinico
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