At least 11 people have died in a wildfire raging near Los Gallardos in the southeastern Spanish province of Almería, a region popular with British expats and holidaymakers. Four of the victims have been confirmed as British nationals, their bodies discovered in a vehicle that took an alternative evacuation route against official advice.
Victims Found in Vehicle and on Foot
Andalucia's acting Regional Minister for Health, Antonio Sanz, confirmed the tragic details in a statement on X. He explained that some victims had ignored emergency services' recommended evacuation routes, leading to deadly consequences. In one scenario, four people died in a car; all indications point to them being of British origin, as the steering wheel was on the right-hand side, unlike standard Spanish vehicles. In another scenario, seven people died after abandoning their cars and attempting to flee on foot, taking an unauthorized route.
Sanz said: "Unfortunately the decision of some people to take evacuation routes that weren't those indicated by the emergency services and take an alternative route became a mortal trap. There were two scenarios like that specifically. One was a vehicle in which four people died with everything pointing to them being of British origin. Their steering wheel was on the other side to the side they normally are in Spain. Then another seven people died in another scenario. They were walking and had abandoned their cars and were probably looking for a way out. But they had taken a route which wasn't the one indicated by the emergency services and the consequences have been terrible."
In a later press conference, Sanz added that more British nationals could be among the seven fatalities. He noted: "In that second scenario there were nine people and two managed to save themselves but seven died. One appears to have been Spanish and the seven others could be foreigners, Belgians and British nationals."
Death Toll May Rise as Search Continues
The bodies of all 11 victims were found in and around the small village of Bédar, near Los Gallardos. The local government's president, Juanma Moreno, warned that the death toll could increase to at least 12, with 19 people still missing. Around 1,000 residents have been evacuated, and roads remain closed as emergency services battle the flames.
Moreno called the incident a "tragedy" on X, expressing that the affected municipalities are "shattered by grief." He wrote: "With a shrunken soul and broken with pain. Our deepest condolences to the families of the six deceased in the IFLosGallardos fire and the affection of all to the municipalities affected by the fire. A tragedy. We are dismayed by this terrible news."
Injuries and Firefighting Efforts
The Andalusian regional government reported six people injured by the fire. One was hospitalized for smoke inhalation, another sustained burns, and four others were treated at the scene for minor burns and respiratory issues from heavy smoke. More than 15 people were confirmed injured overall. Around 150 firefighters have been deployed, including Spain's Military Emergency Unit (UME), which joined the effort to tackle the blaze near the hamlet of Bedar.
Heatwave Fuels Wildfires Across Southern Europe
The deadly wildfire coincides with an intense heatwave gripping southern Europe, with temperatures soaring to around 40°C (104°F) and fueling major blazes across Spain, France, and Portugal. Hundreds of firefighters are battling fires in these countries, and thousands have been forced to flee their homes. Spain recorded its highest daily average temperature since records began in 1950 in June, along with its hottest-ever days for the month. Temperatures as high as 42°C (107.6°F) were forecast in parts of the country.
Earlier this year, Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez announced that Spain would deploy its largest-ever summer wildfire response during the 2026 season, according to local media and AFP. According to the European Forest Fire Information System (EFFIS), a record 393,000 hectares (971,000 acres) burned in Spain last year—more than six times the country's average between 2006 and 2024.
Cause of Fire Under Investigation
Witnesses have claimed the fire was sparked by a downed power line, which rapidly spread into nearby woodland. However, authorities have not yet confirmed the cause of the blaze. The fire forced the evacuation of approximately 1,000 residents, and emergency services have closed roads in the area as crews continue battling the flames.
