Almería, Spain — A devastating wildfire in southeastern Spain has claimed at least 12 lives, with authorities warning the death toll could rise as 23 people remain missing, officials confirmed on Saturday.
The blaze, which erupted on Thursday afternoon near the village of Bedar in the Los Gallardos area of Almería province, is among the deadliest wildfires in Spanish history. Sustained temperatures of around 40°C (104°F), bone-dry ground, and powerful winds fuelled the rapid spread of flames, catching residents and holidaymakers off guard.
Among the deceased are four British nationals, according to Spanish authorities. They were found in a burnt-out car, which Andalusia’s health and emergencies minister Antonio Sanz noted had a steering wheel on the right, indicating the occupants were likely of British origin. The Foreign Office in London has not yet released official identifications.
A further 23 people are unaccounted for, and local officials fear more Britons may be among the missing.
‘Like a bomb had gone off’
Witnesses described scenes of chaos as flames tore through the countryside.
“It was almost like there was a mushroom cloud of smoke, it was like a bomb had gone off,” said Lucinda Curtois, who arrived in Spain with her partner and teenage children for a holiday on Thursday. She told the BBC she feared at least two other UK nationals had been killed after they left their home on foot, possibly because their road had been cut off.
Emergency services have deployed hundreds of firefighters and specialist personnel to contain pockets of fire still burning around Bedar. Officials noted that some victims did not follow recommended evacuation routes, though it remains unclear how effectively those instructions were communicated.
Cause under scrutiny
The cause of the blaze has been provisionally attributed to a fallen power line, though local electricity companies have denied responsibility. Investigations are ongoing.
Belgian authorities are also monitoring the situation, with Foreign Minister Maxime Prévot stating that many Belgians own second homes in the region and consular services are attempting to contact those who remain unreachable.
Weather conditions on Saturday are expected to be “rather more favourable,” with moderate winds and cooler air, according to the Andalusian branch of the national weather agency AEMET. However, the damage has already been done.
Among Spain’s deadliest fires
With at least 12 confirmed fatalities, this wildfire ranks among the country’s worst. In 1984, 20 people died in a fire on the Canary Island of La Gomera, while in 1979, 21 people – including nine children – perished in a forest fire near Lloret de Mar in northeastern Spain.
Climate scientists point to rising global temperatures as a key driver. Europe is the fastest-warming continent, heating at twice the global average rate, according to the Copernicus Climate Service. This has led to more frequent summer heatwaves, increased water stress, and more intense wildfire seasons across the Mediterranean.
Community in shock
The Los Gallardos area is home to a large expatriate community, and the tragedy has sent shockwaves through the region. Local officials have urged residents and visitors to remain vigilant and follow all evacuation orders.
As search and recovery efforts continue, the full scale of the disaster is still unfolding. Spain’s government has pledged full support to affected families, while international consulates work to account for their citizens.
The wildfire serves as a stark reminder of the growing threat extreme weather poses to southern Europe, as the continent braces for more heatwaves in the weeks ahead.