The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has updated its travel advice for Spain, issuing a stark warning as wildfires continue to ravage parts of the country. A 93-year-old British woman died in hospital on Sunday afternoon after suffering burns to approximately 20% of her body in the fires, bringing the total death toll to 13.
FCDO Travel Alert for Los Gallardos
The FCDO specifically warns Brits in the Los Gallardos area of Almería, Andalusia, to follow instructions from local authorities, avoid travel into or through affected zones, monitor emergency service updates, and call 112 in an emergency. The office also provides a helpline for those concerned about individuals in the area: +34 677 904 624, staffed by English-speaking operators from the Psychological Intervention Group for Emergencies and Disasters. Consular assistance is available at +34 917 146 300 for those in Spain or +44 (0)20 7008 5000 from the UK.
British Casualties and Rescue Efforts
At least four victims in Andalusia are believed to be British, after four bodies were discovered in a burnt-out vehicle with right-hand drive. Earlier, two British hikers were found alive but with severe burns covering 40% of their bodies, according to Spanish national broadcaster RTVE. Civil Guard officers located the pair after a second search, having initially swept the area. 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.” Rescuer Rafael Zea added that given the severity of their injuries, it must have taken a “Titanic effort” for them to raise their voices loud enough to be heard. Firefighters and emergency services rescued the pair after more than two hours trapped. Both are in serious condition in hospital, but their lives are not thought to be at risk.
Broader Impact and Climate Context
Spanish authorities believe all victims were foreign tourists who attempted to escape on foot after abandoning vehicles in rugged terrain. Antonio Sanz, head of Andalusia's emergency services, confirmed post-mortem examinations and DNA collection for identification. Spain has experienced frequent severe heatwaves, with temperatures exceeding 40°C. In June, record-breaking heat led to over 1,000 excess deaths. Dr Thomas Smith, Associate Professor in Environmental Geography at the London School of Economics, explained: “The extreme wildfire behaviour we’re seeing in Spain is closely linked to the extreme heatwave weather conditions. Research shows that key measures such as rate of spread and the size of flames increase exponentially as fire weather becomes more severe. Climate change is increasing the frequency and intensity of the extreme heat and fire weather conditions that create these dangerous environments.”
