Spain Wildfire Kills 11, Injures Eight and Leaves 19 Missing
A devastating Spain wildfire has claimed the lives of at least 11 people, injured eight others, and left 19 people missing after a fast-moving blaze swept through Los Gallardos in the southern province of Almería, marking what authorities believe is the country’s deadliest wildfire in more than two decades.
Emergency crews, including around 150 firefighters, continued battling the inferno into Friday as soaring temperatures and strong winds fueled the rapidly spreading flames across the Andalusia region.
Deadly Blaze Sweeps Through Los Gallardos
The wildfire erupted amid an intense European heatwave, with temperatures in Andalusia climbing above 100°F (38°C). Authorities said the blaze spread at an alarming speed, forcing emergency evacuations and trapping residents and visitors in its path.
More than 120 additional people were evacuated or relocated from affected communities as emergency services raced to contain the fire.
Regional President Juanma Moreno said preliminary investigations suggest the wildfire may have been sparked by power lines, though officials are continuing to investigate the exact cause.
He urged residents to strictly follow evacuation instructions issued by emergency authorities.
Victims Died While Trying to Escape
Andalusia’s Minister for Health and Emergencies, Antonio Sanz Cabello, described the wildfire as “truly tragic” while confirming that the 11 fatalities occurred in two separate incidents near the village of Bédar, close to Los Gallardos.
According to officials:
- Four victims, believed to be British nationals, died inside a vehicle after reportedly taking an alternative route instead of the designated evacuation road.
- Seven others are believed to have abandoned their vehicles and attempted to flee on foot before being overtaken by the flames.
Authorities said formal identification is still underway, but initial evidence suggests that most or all of the victims were foreign nationals.
Eight People Injured
Emergency officials confirmed that eight people suffered injuries during the disaster.
Four victims sustained severe burns and are expected to be transferred from Torre Cárdenas Hospital to the larger Virgen del Rocío Hospital for specialist treatment.
The remaining four suffered less serious injuries and continue receiving medical care.
Firefighters Continue Massive Response
The Andalusian government activated the INFOCA Plan, the region’s emergency wildfire response system, bringing together firefighters, police, local authorities and Spain’s Military Emergencies Unit to combat the blaze.
Officials said the wildfire remains difficult to control due to its extremely rapid spread, with changing weather conditions complicating firefighting efforts.
Search teams continue looking for the 19 people still reported missing, while emergency crews monitor the affected communities for further risks.
Europe Faces Record Heat
The deadly wildfire comes as Europe experiences one of its hottest summers on record.
Western Europe recently recorded its warmest June ever, while extreme temperatures have contributed to deadly heatwaves across several countries. France alone reported more than 40 heat-related deaths during a recent spell of unusually high temperatures.
Experts warn that prolonged drought and extreme heat continue to increase the risk of destructive wildfires across southern Europe.
Ongoing Investigation
Authorities are continuing investigations into the cause of the wildfire while firefighters work to fully contain the flames. Officials have urged residents and tourists in affected areas to remain vigilant and follow evacuation orders as emergency operations continue.
The wildfire is expected to rank among Spain’s deadliest forest fires in more than 20 years, highlighting the growing threat posed by increasingly severe heatwaves and wildfire seasons across Europe.
