One of Spain's deadliest wildfires has killed at least 11 people

Europe One of Spain's deadliest wildfires has killed at least 11 people July 10, 20264:53 AM ET By  The Associated Press This image made from video provided by INFOCA shows firefighters battling a wildfire near Los Gallardos, Almeria, Spain, on Thursday, July 9, 2026. INFOCA/AP hide caption toggle caption INFOCA/AP MADRID — A wildfire in southern Spain has killed at least 11 people, making it one of the country's deadliest on record, as soaring temperatures grip much of the country, authorities said early Friday. Several victims of the fire in Almeria were found inside burnt-out vehicles, local media reported. Six others have been injured in the blaze, which 150 firefighters and 220 soldiers from Spain's military emergency unit were battling Friday. Spanish authorities reported earlier that 12 people had died, but revised the death toll Friday morning. The fire broke out in a hamlet in a semi-arid area near the Sierra de Los Filabres mountains. Authorities have not confirmed the cause of the fire, but said people who called to report it said that a fallen power line had sparked a blaze that spread rapidly into a nearby forest. Sponsor Message The fire also led to road closures, while 1,000 residents were evacuated, according to emergency services. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez expressed his condolences, writing on X of his "Immense sadness and desolation in the face of the terrible consequences of the fire affecting the province of Almeria." Spain has battled frequent and severe heatwaves in recent years, with temperatures often exceeding 40°C (104°F). Wind, high temperatures and little rainfall help small wildfire grow into unchecked blazes. In June, Spain experienced several days of record-setting heat, with over 1,000 excess deaths attributed to heat. Parts of Western Europe are facing their third heatwave in six weeks. Europe is the world's fastest-warming continent, with temperatures increasing twice as fast as the global average since the 1980s, ac...