Survivor Recounts Harrowing Escape
Malcolm Timbrell, 70, a British pensioner, has described how he survived the devastating wildfires in Spain by taking refuge in an abandoned car with his cat. He fears his wife, Annette Kilgore, 69, along with friends and neighbours, were killed as flames engulfed their home village of Bedar in Almeria province on Thursday.
The couple moved to Bedar after appearing on the Channel 4 programme A Place in the Sun, where they were shown the property. When the fire approached, they decided to flee by car. However, Mr Timbrell went back to retrieve their two cats. When he tried to catch up with his wife and neighbours, he discovered they had left their vehicles and were attempting to escape the flames on foot.
Deadly Firewall
Speaking to the BBC, Mr Timbrell said: 'My wife and our other seven friends and neighbours – against me screaming at them not to – decided the only safe way was to walk out in front of the firewall. I've subsequently heard that that firewall was moving at 20 kilometres per hour, plus. They had no chance.'
He managed to avoid the flames by moving from one abandoned car to another as each was overtaken by the fire, eventually sheltering with one of his cats.
Host's Tribute
Channel 4 host Jasmine Harman shared her condolences on Instagram: 'Some awful news. You may have seen on the news that Spain has been experiencing some terrible wildfires, and I was so sad to hear of the tragic deaths of several people in Bédar. Sending deepest condolences to those have lost loved ones. Especially to Malcolm who previously appeared with his wife Annette on A Place in the Sun. I don't really have the words to say how very sorry I am for your loss Malcolm. I know we have never met, I can't imagine what you are going through right now. Sending thoughts and prayers.'
Confirmed Deaths
A 93-year-old British woman has been confirmed among at least 13 people who have died as the wildfires swept through southern Spain. The Andalusian government reported that she was taken to hospital on Friday with burns to about 20% of her body, and her death was confirmed on Sunday afternoon. At least four other victims are believed to be British, after four bodies were found in a burnt-out car with its steering wheel on the right. Spanish authorities believe all victims were foreign tourists who attempted to escape on foot after abandoning their vehicles in rugged terrain.
Heatwave Context
Spain has experienced frequent and severe heatwaves in recent years, with temperatures often exceeding 40°C. In June, several days of record-setting heat led to more than 1,000 excess deaths attributed to heat. A Foreign Office spokesman said: 'Our thoughts are with all those impacted by the devastating wildfires in Spain. We are supporting British nationals affected and their families and remain in close contact with the Spanish authorities.'
