A wildfire in southern Spain has killed at least 12 people and left 23 missing, with four of the victims believed to be British. The bodies of four people were found in a car with a right-hand steering wheel near Los Gallardos in Almería, Andalusia, highlighting the danger wildfires pose to British expats and holidaymakers.
A wildfire is an uncontrolled fire that burns in rural or wildland areas, often fueled by dry vegetation, high temperatures, and strong winds. Spain, like many Mediterranean countries, faces a high risk of wildfires during summer heatwaves. This particular fire started on Thursday afternoon near Los Gallardos and spread rapidly. Andalusia's regional leader Juanma Moreno said it appeared to be caused by a downed power line. The flames advanced quickly through a wooded area, forcing residents to evacuate. At least eight people were injured, four seriously.
“Explains why wildfires in Spain happen, how they affect UK travellers, and what to do in an emergency.”
The fire is one of the worst in Spain's recent history. Andalusia's health and emergencies minister Antonio Sanz described it as the "most devastating fire" the region had ever seen. The deaths occurred as victims tried to escape. Eight were found outside their vehicles, while four died in a car that had taken a different route than the official evacuation path. Sanz said the decision to look for another way out "was a real trap."
Wildfires in southern Europe have become more frequent and intense due to prolonged heatwaves and drought. This fire came during Spain's second heatwave of the summer, with temperatures around 40°C (104°F). Similar fires have burned in France and Portugal, forcing thousands to leave their homes. The combination of extreme heat, dry conditions, and human infrastructure—like power lines—creates a tinderbox.
For UK readers, the risk is personal. Many British nationals own second homes or retire in areas like Los Gallardos, where a local source told The Mirror that 70% of inhabitants are British, mostly elderly retirees. The UK Foreign Office has contacted Spanish authorities, and a Downing Street spokesperson confirmed they are in close contact. Britons traveling to Spain should be aware of fire risks, follow official evacuation routes, and stay informed about heatwave warnings.
Q: How do wildfires in Spain start? Wildfires can start naturally (e.g., lightning) or from human activity. In this case, officials suspect a fallen power line ignited dry vegetation. The fire then spread rapidly due to strong winds, covering 15 kilometers in two hours. Electricity company Endesa has contested that the line belonged to them.
Q: What should I do if I am near a wildfire in Spain? Follow official advice: either stay indoors or evacuate via designated routes. Do not try alternative paths. Antonio Sanz warned that victims who left the evacuation route were trapped. The Guardia Civil urged people to go to its station in La Garrucha to report missing persons.
Q: Are British tourists covered by travel insurance for wildfires? Most travel insurance policies cover natural disasters, but check the terms. The UK Foreign Office provides advice for affected areas. Contact your insurer and follow local authorities' instructions.
Three days of mourning have been declared in Andalusia. Efforts to identify the dead are ongoing, with DNA samples being taken. The death toll could rise, as 23 people remain missing. The fire is being tackled by hundreds of firefighters, soldiers, and aircraft, but limited access and "terrible" topography are hampering progress. As climate change increases the frequency of heatwaves, wildfires in Spain will remain a threat to locals and British nationals alike.