Spain battles to contain one of its deadliest wildfires as at least 12 killed
BBC News 2026-07-11 07:46:09
Context: A devastating wildfire in southern Spain has claimed at least 12 lives, including four British nationals, and left 23 people missing, with local authorities warning that the death toll could rise. The fire, which began in the Los Gallardos area of Almería, has been fueled by a sustained heatwave with temperatures reaching 40C (104F) and powerful winds. Hundreds of firefighters have been deployed to battle the flames, which have spread rapidly due to dry ground and strong gusts.
Key Facts
- The wildfire in southern Spain has resulted in at least 12 deaths, including four British nationals, and 23 people are still missing, according to Spanish authorities.
- The fire, which started in the Los Gallardos area of Almería, has been attributed to a fallen power line, although local electricity companies have denied responsibility.
- A British couple, Lucinda Curtois and Riyaz Cheytan, who were on holiday in Spain with their teenage children, described their harrowing escape from the village of Bedar, where they witnessed the rapid spread of the fire.
- The Andalusian branch of the national weather agency AEMET has forecast more favorable conditions for Saturday, with moderate winds and cooler air, which may aid firefighters in containing the blaze.
- The Los Gallardos area is home to many foreign residents, including Belgians, with Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prévot stating that consular services are trying to contact Belgians who have not been reachable.