Spanish officials report that at least 12 people died in a forest fire in the southern areas of the country in the southern province of Almería. … Regional government officials in Andalusia say some of the victims were found inside their cars in the area of Bédar.

Witnesses have told local authorities that a power transmission line falling may have been the initial cause of the fire.

Meanwhile, temperatures in many parts of the country have reached close to 40 degrees Celsius, creating conditions for widespread wildfires.

Europe has been facing an unprecedented wave of extreme heat in recent weeks, and after recording the hottest June on record in weather measurements, the risk of widespread fires in many parts of this continent has increased significantly.