Spain wildfire in Almeria kills 11 people with 19 still missing

A fast-moving wildfire in the southern Spanish province of Almería has resulted in 11 confirmed deaths, with 19 people currently reported as missing. The tragedy, which occurred in the municipality of Los Gallardos near the village of Bédar, is being described by regional officials as an unprecedented disaster for the Andalusia region.

The fire began on Thursday, 9 July 2026, as the region grappled with a severe heatwave and temperatures hovering near 40°C. Emergency services were initially alerted to the blaze in the afternoon. While an official investigation into the cause is ongoing, witnesses and local authorities have indicated that a downed power line may have ignited dry vegetation, with strong winds quickly fanning the flames into nearby forests and residential areas.

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The situation escalated into a lethal scenario for those in the fire's path. According to Antonio Sanz, the region's acting minister for health, the presidency, and emergencies, several victims attempted to flee the area by car. In one instance, four people were found dead inside a vehicle with a right-hand drive, leading officials to believe they were of British origin. Another seven individuals perished after abandoning their vehicles in an attempt to escape on foot along a route not designated for evacuation. Sanz stated that these individuals likely found themselves trapped in the region’s complex topography of ravines.

Casualties and Emergency Response

Official reports have fluctuated as rescue operations continue. While an earlier death toll of 12 was cited by some sources, the regional government revised the confirmed fatality count to 11 on Friday, 10 July 2026. In addition to the fatalities, eight people have sustained injuries, four of whom are described as being in serious condition due to burns and smoke inhalation.

The regional government noted that most, if not all, of those killed are believed to be foreign nationals. Authorities have established a collection point at the Guardia Civil station in the town of La Garrucha to obtain DNA samples from family members to assist in the formal identification process.

Firefighting efforts are being managed by approximately 150 local firefighters, with an additional 150 members of Spain’s Military Emergency Unit (UME) deployed to contain the inferno. The blaze has caused significant disruption, leading to the closure of parts of the A-7 motorway and the N-340A national highway. Approximately 1,000 residents have been evacuated from surrounding municipalities, including Almocáizar, Fuente del Albarico, Los Pinos, La Serena, and El Pinar de Bédar, with many taking shelter in local cultural centres.

A Context of Escalating Heat

The incident occurs against a backdrop of intensifying climate pressures. According to the World Meteorological Organization, Europe is warming at a rate twice the global average, which has increased the frequency and severity of heatwaves.

Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has expressed his condolences to the families of the victims via social media, describing the event as a source of "immense sadness and desolation."

Summary of Current Situation

As of Friday morning, fire crews continue to monitor the area. Officials have urged the public to exercise maximum caution and to strictly follow instructions provided by emergency services, specifically warning against unauthorised attempts to traverse rural areas near the fire zone.