At least 12 people have died and 23 others are missing due to a devastating wildfire in Andalusia, Spain, according to regional leader Juanma Moreno. The fire erupted on July 10, 2026, and has been exacerbated by a severe heatwave pushing temperatures to around 40°C (104°F).
Details of the Deadly Wildfire
The wildfire, which is believed to have been ignited by a downed power line, has ravaged the area around Los Gallardos in Almería. Firefighters have been working tirelessly to contain the flames, which have forced the evacuation of 1,000 residents and led to significant road closures. The bodies of the deceased were located near the village of Bédar, with reports indicating that many victims may be foreign nationals, including potentially four British individuals.
Antonio Sanz, the health and emergencies minister for Andalusia, described the situation as the most devastating fire in the region's history, noting that the victims attempted to escape via unauthorized routes. Four of the deceased were found trapped in their car, which had a steering wheel on the right, indicating they were likely British.
Emergency Response and Safety Measures
In response to the wildfire, Spain's Military Emergency Unit (UME) has deployed 220 soldiers and 70 vehicles to aid in firefighting efforts. Additionally, 160 law enforcement personnel from the civil guard are involved in the emergency response, assisting with evacuations and traffic control.
