British pensioner becomes 13th victim of Spain wildfires
A 93-year-old British woman has died from injuries sustained in the wildfires that have swept through southern Spain, bringing the death toll to 13, officials confirmed on Sunday. The Andalusian Government said the pensioner was taken to hospital on Friday with burns covering approximately 20% of her body. Her death was confirmed on Sunday afternoon, making her the 13th fatality from the disaster.
At least five Britons confirmed dead
At least five British nationals have now died in the wildfires, which have burned through about 7,000 hectares (17,300 acres) of land. Four bodies were discovered in a burnt-out car with the steering wheel on the right-hand side, indicating the vehicle was British. Regional emergency chief Antonio Sanz expressed condolences to the families of all those killed, though formal identification of the deceased has not yet been completed.
British couple critically injured
A British couple was found in critical condition, semi-conscious and suffering from severe burns covering 40% of their bodies. The pair have since returned to Bédar, the village where they live, and their home survived the wildfires.
Fire contained, evacuations lifted
Juanma Moreno, president of the regional Government of Andalusia, confirmed that the fire had been contained and its perimeter secured by Sunday afternoon. More than 1,000 residents have been given the all-clear to return to evacuated villages north of Los Gallardos. However, Spain's forensic services data unit, the CID, reported that two more people are missing, bringing the total number of missing persons to 10. Authorities are working with counterparts in Britain, France and Belgium to formally register cases, and family members abroad can now report missing loved ones and provide DNA samples in their home countries.
Heatwave and dry conditions fueled blazes
The wildfires were caused by a heatwave that brought temperatures of around 40°C, combined with dry ground and strong winds, which rapidly spread the flames through Los Gallardos. Mr. Moreno urged citizens to remain vigilant throughout the summer, noting that Andalusia, Spain's most populous region, is experiencing around 15 forest fires daily, with the number sometimes rising to 22. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez is scheduled to visit the affected area on Monday.
