At least 12 dead as wildfire sweeps through southern Spain amid scorching heatwave
A fast-moving wildfire in Los Gallardos, Almería, has killed at least 12 people, with some victims found inside their vehicles. The blaze erupted on Thursday afternoon as temperatures soared across Andalusia.
Fire breaks out in Los Gallardos
A wildfire ignited on Thursday afternoon, 9 July, in the municipality of Los Gallardos, roughly 300 kilometres northeast of Málaga in Almería province. The flames spread rapidly through dry woodland, fanned by scorching conditions. Emergency services received more than 150 calls from citizens, with the first reports placing the fire at kilometre 511 of the N-340A road.
Death toll rises to 12
Regional authorities initially confirmed six fatalities. Hours later, the Andalusian government announced that six more victims had been found, bringing the death toll to 12. Some of the dead were discovered inside vehicles in the hamlet of Bédar. At least six other people were injured: a woman with burns and a person suffering smoke inhalation were taken to hospital, while four others received treatment on site for minor burns and respiratory problems.
It is a tragedy without precedent.
Our hearts are heavy and we are devastated by grief.
Firefighting and evacuations
Around 150 firefighters and five water tenders were deployed overnight. The regional government activated the emergency phase, operational situation 2, of its wildfire plan. Spain's Military Emergency Unit (UME) was due to join the effort in the coming hours. Residents of several neighbourhoods were evacuated, and about 50 people were housed in a cultural centre. Multiple roads were cut off as the fire advanced.
- Fire breaks out near Los Gallardos, Almería.
- First six deaths confirmed; some victims found in vehicles.
- Death toll rises to 12 after six more victims are discovered.
- Military Emergency Unit (UME) expected to join firefighting operations.
Heatwave fuels the blaze
The wildfire struck as a heatwave gripped Spain, with orange weather warnings (the second highest level) in place across parts of Andalusia. Temperatures have repeatedly exceeded 40 °C in recent days. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez stated in May that Spain would deploy its largest-ever summer wildfire response this year. In 2025, more than 971,000 acres burned across the country, according to the European Forest Fire Information System, making it the worst wildfire year in recent history.
Cause under investigation
Witnesses told authorities that a fallen power line may have ignited dry vegetation, but officials have not yet confirmed the cause. The investigation is ongoing.
