A British couple hiking in southern Spain's Almería province were found semi-conscious with 40% burns after being trapped by a wildfire that killed 13 people. The blaze, which started on 9 July 2026 when a power line broke and sparked a small fire, was driven by 30mph winds across 10 miles of dry scrubland in just two hours. By the time it was contained, it had burned about 7,000 hectares (17,300 acres) and forced the evacuation of at least 1,400 people. The victims included a 93-year-old British woman who died in hospital after suffering 20% burns, and four people believed to be British found inside a right-hand drive vehicle. At least 23 people remain missing, and DNA tests are under way in Madrid to confirm the identities of the dead.
Wildfires are a recurring threat in Spain, especially during the hot, dry summer months. Authorities have long warned that climate change is making such fires more frequent and intense. The regional government head of Andalusia, Juan Manuel Moreno Bonilla, described the area as a "ticking timebomb" because of dry weather, high winds and several heatwaves fuelled by the climate crisis. The fire in Almería is one of the deadliest in Spanish history, with officials saying the damage made the landscape look "like a bomb has gone off".
“An explainer on Spanish wildfires, what caused them and how UK tourists can stay safe.”
For UK readers, particularly those who holiday in Spain or own property there, this disaster is a stark reminder of the dangers posed by wildfires. Thousands of British tourists visit Spain every year, and many have homes in areas at risk. In this case, the couple were hiking when they were caught; others died in their cars or on unofficial escape routes. Spanish authorities said some victims did not follow official advice to evacuate or shelter in place, but relatives disputed this, claiming they received no warning. The British couple were rescued only after Civil Guard officers heard their faint cries for help and climbed down a ravine.
Q: Are wildfires in Spain getting worse? Yes. Climate change is increasing the frequency and intensity of heatwaves and droughts, creating conditions that allow wildfires to spread more rapidly. The 2026 Almería wildfire was described by officials as "unprecedented" in speed, covering 10 miles in two hours.
Q: What should I do if I'm caught in a wildfire? Follow evacuation orders immediately. Do not try to outrun the fire on foot if you are close; seek shelter in a cleared area or a building if possible. If trapped, call emergency services and try to find a spot away from vegetation. Spanish authorities advise using official evacuation routes, not forest tracks.
Q: Will my travel insurance cover wildfire incidents? Most comprehensive travel insurance policies cover natural disasters such as wildfires, but you should check your policy. Some policies may not cover claims if you ignore official warnings or travel to a known danger zone. Always inform your insurer if you are in an area affected by fire.
The immediate priority in Almería is to care for survivors and identify the dead. Forensic scientists in Madrid are using DNA samples from families of the missing. The fire has been contained, and some evacuees have been allowed to return home. But the longer-term risk remains: as long as heatwaves and dry conditions persist, other parts of Spain remain vulnerable. The UK Foreign Office is likely to update its travel advice for Spain, and holidaymakers should monitor local news and follow instructions from Spanish authorities.
