14 dead as Spanish wildfires merge into massive blaze

At least 14 people have died as wildfires continue to ravage parts of Spain, where two separate blazes have merged into a single, massive fire. The conflagration, driven by high temperatures, low humidity and strong winds, has spread across multiple municipalities, prompting the evacuation of dozens of households and the deployment of hundreds of firefighters, aerial water bombers, and military units to contain the flames.

Authorities have declared a state of emergency in the affected areas and are coordinating rescue and relief efforts while assessing the full extent of the damage. The merged fire, now covering several square kilometres, remains active despite intensive suppression operations, and officials warn that further casualties could occur if conditions worsen. The incident underscores the ongoing challenges Spain faces in managing increasingly severe wildfire seasons.