At least 12 people have been killed, including four Britons burned alive inside their car, after a catastrophic wildfire tore through Los Gallardos in Spain’s Almería province in what is being described as one of the deadliest wildfires in the country’s recent history. A further 23 people remain missing as emergency services continue to search the devastated area.
Initial reports suggested that the blaze may have been sparked by a fallen power line. However, the electricity company has disputed the claim and denied responsibility, with investigators continuing to examine the cause of the disaster.
The tragedy comes as Spain continues to endure another spell of exceptional heat. Barcelona recorded temperatures exceeding 35°C, while parts of Spain’s Mediterranean coast approached 40°C, creating ideal conditions for wildfires to spread rapidly.
The Almería wildfire has already scorched around 3,000 hectares of land, forcing the evacuation of more than 1,000 residents as hundreds of firefighters, soldiers and emergency workers battled to prevent the flames from spreading further. Officials have described it as one of the worst fire disasters ever experienced in Andalusia.
Meanwhile, firefighters have managed to bring the Benahavís wildfire in Malaga under control after days of intensive efforts.
Spanish emergency services have found themselves stretched by multiple simultaneous wildfires across the country during one of Europe’s most severe heatwaves.
Newsroom
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