At least five people have died and four others suffered minor injuries after a fire broke out in an apartment building in northeastern Spain, local authorities said.

A volunteer firefighter died from severe burns while battling wildfires in Spain, as dozens of blazes fueled by scorching heat and strong winds continue to rage across the country. Several others have been hospitalized, and at least six large wildfires remain out of control.

A large forest fire raged through southern France on Tuesday, burning through an area equivalent to 2,000 rugby pitches.

A large fire broke out on Wednesday at a chemical distribution warehouse near Seville, southern Spain, releasing a thick column of dark smoke into the air and prompting authorities to urge nearby residents to stay indoors.

Spanish authorities told more than 160,000 people near Barcelona to stay indoors on Saturday after a fire at an industrial warehouse released a toxic cloud of chlorine over a wide area.

At least 10 people have been confirmed dead, and others injured, following a devastating fire at a care home near Zaragoza in northeastern Spain, according to emergency services.