Deadly wildfires rage in Spain amid European heatwave; British couple rescued

Deadly wildfires are currently sweeping across southern Spain, particularly in the Almería province near Bedar and Los Gallardos, amidst an intense European heatwave where temperatures have soared above 40°C. These fast-moving blazes have tragically claimed at least 12 lives, with many victims believed to be foreign nationals, including some from Britain. The fires, possibly sparked by a downed power line and exacerbated by strong winds, have scorched over 6,000 hectares of land, prompting evacuations and overwhelming emergency services.

Amidst the devastation, a British couple, believed to have been hiking, were miraculously rescued from a ravine after being trapped for hours. Discovered by Civil Guard officers who heard their faint cries for help, the pair suffered approximately 40% burns and are currently in serious condition in hospital, though their lives are not thought to be in danger. Rescuers described the couple's effort to call out for help in their injured state as "titanic," highlighting the perilous conditions faced by those caught in the inferno.