MADRID, July 17 (Xinhuanet) -- At least 14 firefighters were killed Sunday while trying to extinguish a forest blaze in drought-stricken Spain, according to local reports.

    The fourteen had gone out in two groups to try to bring the fire under control, local media reported.

    The fire began Saturday afternoon in the Cueva de los Casares natural park. It was still raging out of control late Sunday. Police said sparks from a barbecue that had not been fully extinguished had caused the fire.

    The blaze had so far charred an estimated 12,000 acres of pinewood land.   Enditem