British Woman, 93, Dies in Spain Wildfires, Raising Death Toll to 13

A 93-year-old British woman died in hospital after suffering burns covering a fifth of her body in wildfires that began Thursday in southern Spain, officials said. The Andalusian Government said the woman was taken to hospital Friday morning and died late that night. She is thought to have had underlying health conditions. Her death raises the total number of fatalities to 13.

Four people believed to be British were found dead in a burnt-out right-hand-drive car in a dry riverbed that became a deadly trap, officials said. Seven others died after leaving their vehicles and attempting to escape on foot. Belgian nationals and a French woman are also believed to be among the dead.

No victims have been officially identified. Authorities said some victims ignored advice to shelter in place. A relative of one victim disputed that account, saying the person received no warning. Spain's forensic services are now allowing family members abroad to report missing relatives and submit DNA samples.

The fires devastated areas around Bedar and Los Gallardos in Almeria, burning about 17,300 acres. The Andalusian Regional President said the blaze was caused by a downed power cable, a claim the power company has disputed. The fire was contained and its perimeter secured by midday Saturday.

More than 1,000 people received the all-clear to return to their homes in evacuated villages north of Los Gallardos on Sunday afternoon. Nearly 3,000 tourists were evacuated from the area amid the fires. >"It was almost like there was a mushroom cloud of smoke.

" — Lucinda Curtois, witness, via BBC The fire is considered Spain's worst in more than two decades.