Hundreds of firefighters battle flames while authorities evacuate residents and investigate cause
MADRID: At least 12 people have died and six others sustained injuries after a devastating wildfire swept through Los Gallardos in Spain’s southeastern province of Almería, as an intense heatwave continued to fuel dangerous fire conditions across southern Europe.
According to the Andalusian regional government, several victims were found inside vehicles that became trapped and engulfed by flames. Although witnesses suggested a fallen power line may have sparked the blaze, authorities have not yet confirmed the cause and investigations remain underway.
The rapidly spreading fire forced emergency services to evacuate around 1,000 residents from affected communities. Meanwhile, road closures were imposed as firefighters worked to contain the advancing flames.
Firefighters intensify emergency response
Approximately 150 firefighters, supported by Spain’s Military Emergency Unit (UME), continued battling the wildfire in the Bedar area. Emergency officials reported that one injured person was hospitalised with smoke inhalation, while another suffered burn injuries. Additionally, four people received treatment at the scene for minor burns and respiratory complications caused by dense smoke.
Andalusian regional president Juanma Moreno described the incident as a tragedy and expressed condolences to the victims’ families. Furthermore, Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez reaffirmed the government’s commitment to deploying Spain’s largest-ever summer wildfire response to confront the growing threat.
Extreme weather raises wildfire concerns
The deadly wildfire comes as Spain endures prolonged temperatures approaching 40°C, with some regions forecast to exceed 42°C. Experts warn that persistent heat, dry vegetation and strong winds continue to create ideal conditions for rapidly spreading fires.
According to the European Forest Fire Information System, Spain recorded approximately 393,000 hectares of burned land last year, significantly exceeding the country’s long-term average. Moreover, climate scientists say Europe remains the world’s fastest-warming continent, with rising temperatures contributing to longer heatwaves, worsening drought conditions and increasingly destructive wildfire seasons.
Authorities continue firefighting operations while investigators work to determine the exact cause of the Los Gallardos blaze. Emergency officials have urged residents in vulnerable areas to remain alert and follow evacuation instructions as high temperatures persist across the region.
