Deadly Spain wildfire appears to ease, official says

A wildfire that has killed at least 12 people in southern Spain is showing signs of easing, allowing firefighters to directly attack the flames for the first time, officials say.

The fire has burned around 6,600 hectares (16,300 acres) since erupting on Thursday in the southeastern Los Gallardos area of Andalusia, mobilizing hundreds of firefighters and soldiers, backed by aircraft.

Nearly 1,500 people have been evacuated from the affected area as a result of one of Spain’s deadliest wildfires in recent years.

Antonio Sanz, the Andalusian regional government’s emergency chief, says weather conditions have improved with higher air humidity levels and nearly no wind.

“The overnight evolution has been favorable and the weather conditions allow us to face the day with better prospects than yesterday,” he tells reporters.