Firefighters battling a deadly wildfire in southern Spain began to contain the blaze on Saturday, as the village of Bedar stood deserted-a grim reminder of the inferno that killed 12 people.
About 500 firefighters and over 20 aircraft attacked the fire, which erupted Thursday in the Gallardos area of Andalusia. Calmer winds and higher humidity allowed direct engagement for the first time.
Spanish Justice Minister Felix Bolanos confirmed the fire's spread had halted, with the burnt area remaining at 6,600 hectares. "We have taken advantage of a window of opportunity," he said, expressing hope for full containment soon.
Officials reported the 12 victims were trapped in vehicles or on foot while fleeing. Most were foreign residents, though identities remain unreleased. "We were absolutely terrified," said Manoli Ramos, a councillor in Bedar. "It was like hell."
The fire forced approximately 1,500 people to evacuate. Eight individuals remain hospitalized, with four in a burns unit. Authorities suspect the blaze began when a power line broke amid extreme heat exceeding 40 degrees Celsius.
Officials characterized the fire's intensity-spreading at times at 100 meters per minute-as unprecedented, linking it directly to climate change. While searches for additional victims continue, police have not found more bodies, offering some hope.