A fast-spreading wildfire near the village of Bédar in Almería, south-eastern Spain, has killed at least 12 people and left 23 unaccounted for, with four of the dead believed to be British.
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Key facts
- At least 12 people have been killed in a wildfire in the province of Almería, south-eastern Spain.
- Twenty-three people are unaccounted for, according to authorities.
- Four of the victims are believed to be British.
- The blaze broke out near the village of Bédar in the municipality of Los Gallardos.
- Spain is enduring its second heatwave of the summer.
At least 12 people have been killed and 23 are unaccounted for after one of Spain’s deadliest wildfires broke out in the south-eastern province of Almería, as the country endures its second heatwave of the summer.
The regional government of Andalucía said the victims died while trying to escape the flames near the village of Bédar in the municipality of Los Gallardos, according to the Guardian.
Four of those who died are believed to be British, the Andalucían regional government said. A local official also told the BBC that four of the victims may be British after the fire broke out near Los Gallardos, Almería.
The blaze has been described as fast-spreading, with victims reported to have died while attempting to flee the flames. The full extent of the disaster remained unclear, with more than 20 people still missing at the time of reporting.
One British woman recounted a narrow escape from the fire, telling the Guardian: “I had an incredible escape.” Her account underscored the danger faced by those in the path of the flames.
The fire comes as Spain grapples with extreme summer temperatures during its second heatwave of the season, conditions that can heighten the risk and severity of wildfires.
Why it matters
Wildfires during extreme heat pose a growing threat to lives and communities, particularly in regions popular with international visitors and residents. With foreign nationals among the dead, the disaster highlights the human toll of heatwaves and the challenges of escaping fast-moving fires.
Frequently asked questions
Where did the wildfire happen?
The fire broke out near the village of Bédar in the municipality of Los Gallardos, in the province of Almería in south-eastern Spain.
How many people have died or are missing?
At least 12 people have been killed and 23 remain unaccounted for, according to authorities.
Were any of the victims British?
Yes. The regional government of Andalucía said four of those who died are believed to be British, and a local official told the BBC that four of the victims may be British.
Timeline
- Fast-spreading wildfire kills at least 12 in southern Spain
The Guardian World: Twenty-three people missing and at least four Britons thought among those who died trying to flee Almería blaze ‘I had an incredible escape’: British woman tells of close encounter with wildfire At least 12 people have been killed and 23 are unaccounted for after one of Spain’s d
- Wildfire in southern Spain leaves at least 12 dead and 23 missing
BBC World: A local official said four of the victims may be British after a fire broke out near Los Gallardos, Almería.
- Wildfire in southern Spain kills at least 12 amid heatwave
The Guardian World: Twenty-three people missing and at least four Britons thought to be among those who died fleeing Almería blaze At least 12 people have been killed and 23 are unaccounted for after one of Spain’s deadliest wildfires broke out in the south-eastern province of Almería as the country