Twelve people have been killed in a devastating wildfire in Almeria, southern Spain. The blaze, which tore through the municipality of Los Gallardos and the hamlet of Bedar, trapped some victims inside their vehicles. Regional authorities in Andalusia confirmed the death toll rose to 12 after an initial report of six fatalities.
Approximately 150 firefighters and mobilized military emergency units are working to contain the flames. Minister of the Presidency, Health, and Emergencies Antonio Sanz described the situation as an unprecedented tragedy and the most devastating fire to date in the region. Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez and Andalusian leader Juanma Moreno expressed deep sadness and condolences to the affected families and municipalities.
The fire broke out amid a severe heatwave with scorching temperatures reaching or exceeding 40°C, triggering orange weather warnings. Early summer heatwaves in May and June had already parched vast areas of land, increasing vulnerability to wildfires. The World Meteorological Organization noted that Europe is warming at more than twice the global average, making such prolonged heat episodes more likely.
This tragedy follows a similar disaster in southern France earlier this week, where an out-of-control wildfire forced the evacuation of more than 10,000 people from two dozen small towns and villages near the Spanish border.