Spain wildfire kills 11, four British among dead as heatwave rages
A wildfire near Bédar in Almería has led to 11 deaths, the evacuation of approximately 1,000 residents, and the closure of major local motorways.
A wildfire in the Almería province of southern Spain has resulted in 11 confirmed fatalities, as the region contends with a severe and sustained heatwave. The blaze, which ignited in the hamlet of Bédar near Los Gallardos, trapped victims in their vehicles and forced a large-scale emergency response across the affected area.
Regional authorities initially reported a death toll of 12 before revising the figure to 11. Antonio Sanz, the Andalusian Minister of the Presidency, Health and Emergencies, described the event as an "unprecedented tragedy" and stated that the "pain is immense." According to emergency services, four of the deceased are believed to be British nationals. The victims were discovered inside a vehicle characterized by a right-hand steering wheel, a detail that local officials highlighted to identify the likely origin of the victims.
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The fire broke out as temperatures in the region reached approximately 40°C. While the exact cause remains under investigation, witnesses reported to authorities that the inferno may have begun after a power line fell and ignited dry vegetation. From there, the flames spread rapidly through surrounding woodland. The regional government of Andalusia stated that several victims were found in their cars while attempting to flee, while others were discovered elsewhere in the area.
The emergency response effort involves roughly 150 firefighters supported by five fire trucks. The Spanish Military Emergency Unit (UME) has been mobilized to assist the effort, a step consistent with the government’s commitment to deploy its largest-ever summer wildfire response. At least six other people sustained injuries, with two individuals hospitalised for burns and smoke inhalation, while others received on-site treatment for respiratory distress and minor burns.
The wildfire necessitated significant logistical disruption, forcing the closure of the A-7 motorway between kilometres 709 and 714, as well as the N-340A national highway. Approximately 1,000 residents were evacuated from their homes, with roughly 50 people being provided shelter in a local cultural centre. Neighbourhoods affected by the evacuation orders included Almocaizar, Fuente del Albarico, Los Pinos, La Serena, and El Pinar de Bédar.
Juanma Moreno, the head of the Andalusian regional government, addressed the tragedy on social media, writing:
"Our hearts are heavy and we are devastated by grief."
Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez also expressed his condolences to the families of the victims and acknowledged the severity of the incident. The disaster unfolds against a broader pattern of environmental instability. In 2025, Spain recorded the worst wildfire season in its recent history, with the European Forest Fire Information System reporting that 393,000 hectares were consumed by flames.
Scientific analysis has linked the intensification of Mediterranean wildfire seasons to broader climate trends. According to the Copernicus climate service, Europe is currently the fastest-warming continent, heating up at twice the rate of the global average. This trend, coupled with prolonged heatwaves and drought, has created an environment where fires become more frequent and severe. The World Weather Attribution group at Imperial College London has directly associated this worsening fire season with climate change. As temperatures remain high, emergency services continue to urge residents to exercise extreme caution and follow evacuation protocols.
