Twelve people have died in a forest fire that broke out on Thursday evening near Almería in Andalusia, southern Spain, Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has confirmed. Some of the victims were found inside their cars, trapped by the rapidly advancing flames.
The fire, which started in a dry, wooded area, spread with alarming speed due to high temperatures and strong winds. Authorities evacuated several villages as a precaution, and around 50 people are currently sheltering in a local cultural center. Several local roads have been closed to traffic. Six of the fatalities were discovered in the village of Bedar, while another six died in Los Gallardos, a nearby municipality.
A 'unprecedented tragedy’ for the region
Minister for the Presidency, Health and Emergency Situations Antonio Sanz described the blaze as „the most destructive that has so far occurred in the region.” He called the situation an „unprecedented tragedy” and confirmed that emergency services are still working to contain the fire and search for any additional victims. Local firefighters and military units have been deployed, supported by water-dropping aircraft.
– We offer our deepest condolences to the families of the six people who lost their lives in Los Gallardos, and express our sympathy to all the municipalities affected by the fire – wrote Juanma Moreno, President of the Andalusian regional government, in a post on X.
Heatwaves fuel increasingly destructive wildfires
Spain has been experiencing longer and more intense heatwaves in recent years, often starting in spring and lasting throughout the summer, with temperatures sometimes exceeding 40°C. These conditions create a perfect environment for devastating wildfires. According to the European Forest Fire Information System (EFFIS), in 2025 alone, flames in Spain consumed more than 393,000 hectares of land, resulting in eight deaths, 86 injuries, and the evacuation of 42,000 people. Thursday’s fire in Almería has already surpassed that year’s death toll in just one night.
Climate experts have warned that the Mediterranean region is becoming a wildfire hotspot, with hotter, drier summers increasing both the frequency and intensity of such disasters. Local authorities are urging residents to remain vigilant and follow evacuation orders immediately. The search for missing persons continues, and investigators are looking into the cause of the fire, though initial reports suggest it may have been sparked by lightning or human activity.
Źródło: Polsat News, Fot. Polsat News
