Two British hikers have been found alive but with severe burns following deadly wildfires in southern Spain, according to Spanish national broadcaster RTVE. The man and woman, who have not been identified, are believed to have suffered 40% burns. They were discovered by a team of Civil Guards who had previously checked the area but decided to return.
Discovery and Rescue
Sergeant Pedro Barre told RTVE: “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 officers called out and used whistles before hearing a sound they thought could be an echo. Rescuer Rafael Zea said that given the couple’s injuries, it must have taken a “Titanic effort” for them to raise their voices to be heard. With help from firefighters and emergency services, the hikers were rescued after more than two hours. They are now in a serious condition in hospital, though their lives are not believed to be in danger.
Death Toll and Victims
At least 12 people are believed to have died in the fire near the village of Bedar in Almeria province. Among them, at least four are thought 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. Antonio Sanz, head of Andalusia’s emergency services, said post-mortem examinations and DNA samples were collected to identify them.
Evacuations and Context
Authorities proactively evacuated 1,448 people from 11 areas. Spain has faced frequent and severe heatwaves in recent years, with temperatures often exceeding 40°C. In June, Spain experienced record-setting heat, with more than 1,000 excess deaths attributed to heat.
