Madrid: At least 11 people have been killed in a devastating wildfire in Spain‘s southern Andalusia region as more than 150 firefighters continue efforts to contain the rapidly spreading blaze.
The fire broke out in a wooded area near the town of Los Gallardos in Almería province, severely affecting the nearby hamlet of Bédar. Authorities said the blaze spread at an alarming pace due to dry conditions and strong winds.
Victims died while trying to escape
Andalusia’s head of emergencies, Antonio Sanz, said the victims appeared to have died while attempting to flee the fire in their vehicles instead of remaining indoors as instructed by authorities.
Four people, believed to be British nationals based on the right-hand drive vehicle they were travelling in, were found dead inside their car.
Seven other victims reportedly abandoned their vehicles and tried to escape on foot along a route that was not part of the official evacuation plan.
Officials also confirmed that four people have suffered serious burn injuries and are receiving treatment in hospital. Search operations remain underway amid fears that more people may still be missing.
Spain’s deadliest wildfire in two decades
The tragedy is Spain’s deadliest wildfire since 2005, when 11 firefighters lost their lives in a major forest fire in Guadalajara.
Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez expressed his condolences to the victims’ families and described the disaster as a moment of “enormous sadness and devastation.”
He said emergency services, security forces and the Military Emergency Unit (UME) had been mobilised to battle the blaze and urged residents to follow official safety instructions.
Heatwaves fuel wildfire risk
The wildfire comes amid an intense early summer heatwave across western Europe, where prolonged high temperatures have left forests and vegetation extremely dry.
According to the World Meteorological Organization, Europe is warming at more than twice the global average, increasing the frequency and intensity of heatwaves and making the region more vulnerable to destructive wildfires.
Authorities continue to battle the fire while monitoring surrounding communities for further evacuations.