Spain Battles Deadly Wildfire as at Least 12 Killed


Hundreds of firefighters, paramedics and specialists have been deployed to the Los Gallardos area of Almería after a wildfire erupted Thursday afternoon in a small village called Bedar. The blaze has killed at least 12 people, including four Britons, and left 23 missing.


A helicopter working to extinguish flames amid a Spanish wildfire

Emergency services in south‑eastern Spain are battling to contain the fire after a scorching heatwave pushed temperatures to around 40 °C (104 °F) across southern Europe. The conditions fostered rapid spread, and local officials warn the death toll could rise, especially as many victims are suspected to be foreign nationals.


Authorities say a fallen power line was the likely ignition, although the local electricity company has denied responsibility. The fire erupted in a dry, heavily vegetated area, and gusty winds accelerated the spread, making rescue operations perilous.


The village of Bedar had issued evacuation orders, but some residents were unable to follow the routes, possibly because remote roads were blocked by flames or debris. The Spanish government and the UK Foreign Office have not yet released the identities of the deceased but confirm that several deceased were of British origin.


Antonio Sanz, Andalusia’s health and emergencies minister, said the rapid fire had left the area “completely bereft” and that many of those who died were foreigners. Belgian officials have noted that many Belgians own second homes in the region and are trying to locate missing citizens.


The Andalusian meteorological agency AEMET forecasts that conditions will become more favorable by Saturday, with moderate wind and cooler air expected, but the danger remains.


This incident is among the most lethal wildfires in Spanish history. For context, in 1984 20 people died on the Canary Island of La Gomera, and in 1979 a 21‑person death toll, including nine children, occurred near Lloret de Mar.


Climate scientists note that Europe is warming twice as fast as the global average, resulting in more intense heatwaves, higher pressures on water supplies, and an increased risk of severe fires. The Almería blaze underscores the urgent need for better fire‑management strategies and global climate action.