Wildfire in Almeria Province Kills at Least 12, Leaves 23 Missing. At least 12 people have died and 23 remain missing after a wildfire erupted in Almeria province, Spain, on Thursday, with authorities confirming four of the victims were British nationals. Emergency services have deployed hundreds of firefighters to contain the blaze near the village of Bedar, where the fire spread rapidly under temperatures near 40°C and strong winds. The fire is one of the deadliest in recent Spanish history, joining a 1984 blaze on La Gomera that killed 20 and a 1979 fire near Lloret de Mar that claimed 21 lives, including nine children. A sustained heatwave across southern Europe, with temperatures around 40°C and dry ground, has sparked multiple wildfires in France, Portugal and Spain this summer. The Copernicus climate service notes that Europe is warming twice as fast as the global average, contributing to more frequent and intense fire events. The cause of the Bedar fire was attributed to a fallen power line, though the local electricity provider has denied responsibility. Witnesses described thick smoke resembling a mushroom cloud as they fled the area on foot when roads were cut off. Officials in Bedar said some of those who died may not have taken recommended evacuation routes, but it is unclear how clearly the guidance was communicated. The Spanish government and the British Foreign Office have not released the identities of the deceased. Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prévot said consular services were attempting to locate Belgians with homes in the region. AEMET forecast more favorable conditions, with moderated winds and cooler air expected by Saturday. With at least 12 confirmed dead, the incident ranks among Spain’s most severe wildfires, and officials cautioned that the final death toll could rise. Ongoing investigations aim to determine the precise sequence of events and the effectiveness of evacuation efforts.