Firefighters aided by better weather on Saturday gained the upper hand on one of Spain's deadliest wildfires as survivors described "horrific" and terrifying moments as they escaped the flames. Around 500 firefighters backed by over 20 water-dropping aircraft were battling the blaze, which erupted Thursday in the Gallardos area of the southern region of Andalusia, home to many foreign residents. Read moreSpain wildfire kills at least 12 people, with some victims found in vehicles "We were absolutely terrified. We could see the flames. It was horrific," Manoli Ramos, 72, a councillor in the small whitewashed village of Bedar where the victims were found, said. She recalled another major wildfire in 2012 when residents had been able to return home the following day, saying: "This time it was like hell." Officials said the 12 people who died were of different nationalities who had been trapped in vehicles and as they tried to flee on foot. Austin Crilly, an 87-year-old British resident evacuated by police from the wildfire zone, said he was watching television when he "saw a huge black cloud, well I thought it was a cloud". "I thought, 'My God, I will shut the door'. Then, five minutes later, there was banging at the door. They said, 'Take your money, take your cards and get out'," he said. Officials said some of those who died had not followed orders to evacuate or to shelter in place once the flames got too close. 'Best news' The fast-moving fire – one of the deadliest in Spain's recent history – showed signs of easing Saturday, allowing firefighters to directly attack the flames for the first time, officials said.