Pakistan, July 10 -- At least 12 people were killed after a fast-moving wildfire tore through southern Spain's Andalusia region on Thursday, prompting large-scale evacuations and an emergency response as firefighters continued battling the blaze overnight.

Read More: Europe heatwave fuels wildfires, evacuations

The wildfire broke out near Los Gallardos in Almeria province at around 5pm local time before spreading rapidly into the neighbouring municipality of Bedar. Authorities said extreme heat, low humidity and strong winds fueled the fire, allowing it to advance quickly across the area.

The Andalusia 112 Emergency Service activated Level 1 of the Andalusian Forest Fire Emergency Plan (Plan INFOCA) as the situation worsened. Residents...