AT least 12 people have died in southern Spain after a devastating blaze broke out in the province of Almeria amid soaring temperatures.

“The number of people who died in the fire in Los Gallardos has risen to 12 after the confirmation of six more deaths,” the regional government of Andalucia said.

According to officials, the victims were found near the remote mountain village of Bedar, with some of the bodies reportedly recovered from cars which were scorched by the flames as people tried to flee.

At least six people have been injured, including one woman who suffered from burns and smoke inhalation.

READ MORE: Wildfires have already consumed 50 square kilometres in Spain this summer – equal to 35% of the entire EU total

Around 150 firefighters are working to extinguish the blaze, which witnesses say was caused by a power line that collapsed to the ground and ignited a patch of dry vegetation, with the fire rapidly spreading to nearby woodland.

The fire has led to major road closures, while 1,000 residents living in nearby villages have been evacuated.

Spain’s Military Emergency United (UME) have been deployed to help the rescue effort, authorities said.

“Immense sadness and desolation in the face of the terrible consequences of the fire affecting the province of Almeria,” said prime minister Pedro Sanchez.

READ MORE: Spain logs more than 1,000 deaths linked to ‘extraordinarily’ high temperatures in June

“I want to convey my condolences to the families of those who died in the Los Gallardos forest fire.

“My wishes for a speedy recovery to the injured and my solidarity with all the affected neighbours.”

Regional president Juanma Moreno said: “With heavy hearts and shattered by grief. Our deepest condolences to the families of the people who lost their lives in the Los Gallardos fire and the affection from all of us to the municipalities affected by the fire.

“A tragedy. We are devastated by this terrible news.”

READ MORE: Historic June heatwave forces mass cancellations of beach bonfires on usually raucous San Juan celebrations over forest fire fears

Spain is currently battling a series of wildfires across the country as a sweltering heatwave sends temperatures soaring well past 40C.

Blazes have broken out in Catalunya and Andalucia, with a separate fire threatening the popular British expat hotspot of Estepona.

The AP-7 motorway was closed last night after a blaze broke out on Thursday afternoon in Benahavis.

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