Seven British nationals are among the 13 people killed during last week's deadly wildfires that swept through southern Spain, police have confirmed.
Victims Identified
A 93-year-old British woman was taken to hospital on Friday after suffering burns to about 20% of her body, the Andalusian government announced. Her death was later confirmed on Sunday afternoon. Another four British victims were found after their bodies were discovered in a burnt-out car. On Sunday, it was reported that two British hikers had been found alive but badly burned.
The pair, who suffered burns on around 40% of their bodies, were discovered by a team of Civil Guards, who said they had already checked the area but had a feeling that they should go back. In an interview with national broadcaster RTVE, the Civil Guard officers said they found the two British people alive just as night was falling. Sergeant Pedro Barre told the broadcaster: “That experience we accumulate over the years is what tells you: take another look, give it one last try, check again just in case.” The couple are currently said to be in a serious condition in hospital, though their lives are not thought to be at risk.
Couple Perish in Blaze
A British couple who were unable to escape the blaze in time were also confirmed to have perished in the fire. Pete and Fran Gillam, who lived in Bédar - one of the hardest hit villages - died tragically in the fires, their daughter confirmed on Facebook. "We are heartbroken to share that we have received confirmation from the police that Mum and Dad did not survive the fire," she wrote. "Thank you for all your love, support and prayers over the past few days. They have meant more to us than we can ever express."
Heatwave Context and Identification Efforts
Spain has suffered frequent and severe heatwaves in recent years, with temperatures often exceeding 40C. In June, Spain experienced several days of record-setting heat, with more than 1,000 excess deaths attributed to heat. Authorities in Spain are now racing to use DNA to identify those who were unable to escape the blaze. Relatives of those missing have been asked to provide samples to Bédar's civil office, with many victims suffering burns so severe that it would be impossible to identify them without it.
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.”
