Deadly Wildfire in Southern Spain Kills at Least 12, Leaves 23 Missing
The Global Journal | Los Gallardos, Almería, Spain | July 11, 2026
At least 12 people have been killed and 23 others remain missing after a fast-moving wildfire swept through southern Spain's Andalusia region, marking one of the deadliest wildfire disasters in the country's recent history.
Andalusian regional president Juanma Moreno confirmed the death toll on Saturday, warning that the number of fatalities could rise as emergency crews continue search and rescue operations in the devastated area around Los Gallardos and the nearby village of Bédar in Almería Province.
According to Andalusian authorities, four of the victims are believed to be British nationals. Officials said the victims were discovered in and around Bédar, with four people found trapped inside a vehicle and others apparently attempting to escape the rapidly advancing flames.
Andalusia's Minister of Health and Emergencies, Antonio Sanz, described the blaze as "the most devastating wildfire" the region has ever experienced. He said the fire spread with extraordinary speed, forcing many residents and visitors to flee under extremely dangerous conditions.
Regional officials believe the wildfire may have been triggered by the collapse of a power line pole, although investigators are continuing to determine the exact cause. Electricity company Endesa, however, disputed the claim, stating that the fallen power line was inactive and not part of its infrastructure.
The wildfire has also injured at least eight people. Four victims remain hospitalized with severe burns, while another four suffered minor burns and smoke inhalation.
Emergency authorities evacuated approximately 1,000 residents as the fire rapidly spread through wooded terrain. Numerous roads were closed, and emergency shelters were established for displaced residents.
Spain's Military Emergency Unit (UME) deployed 220 soldiers and 70 vehicles to support firefighting operations, while the Civil Guard assigned around 160 officers to assist with evacuations, traffic management, and the ongoing investigation into the fire's origin.
The disaster comes amid an intense summer heatwave that has pushed temperatures close to 40°C (104°F) across much of southern Europe, creating extreme wildfire conditions. Firefighters across Spain, Portugal, and France have been battling multiple major wildfires in recent weeks.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez previously announced the country's largest-ever summer wildfire response ahead of the 2026 fire season, following increasingly severe wildfire seasons driven by prolonged drought and record-breaking temperatures.
According to the European Forest Fire Information System (EFFIS), nearly 393,000 hectares of land burned across Spain last year—more than six times the country's average between 2006 and 2024—highlighting the growing impact of extreme weather across the Iberian Peninsula.
Authorities continue to search for the missing as firefighters work to contain the blaze, with officials warning that the situation remains highly dangerous.
