Firefighters have started to rein in the wildfire in Spain's southern Andalusia region that killed 12 people. The affected region is home to one of the largest expat communities.
The wildfire that ripped through Almeria is one of the deadliest in Spain's recent historyImage: Jon Nazca/REUTERS
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Around 500 firefighters in Spain were trying to contain the fire that killed 12 people, which broke out on Thursday in the Gallardos area of Almeria province, home to many foreign residents.
After visiting the affected area, Justice Minister Felix Bolanos said, "The fire has not spread at all today," adding that the burned area remained at 6,600 hectares (16,300 acres).
He said calmer winds and higher air humidity levels were helping firefighting efforts and expressed hope that the flames could be brought under control soon.
Authorities suspect the wildfire started when a power cable broke as Spain sweltered in scorching temperatures, which exceeded 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit) in recent weeks.
The fire, at its most intense, had spread at a rate of 100 meters (328 feet) a minute, "a level of intensity and severity we have never seen before," Bolanos said.
"It is clearly a consequence of the climate emergency the world is facing," he added.
A massive wildfire devastates southern Spain, leaving death and destruction behind. Many people have been killed, others are still missing. Many of the victims are believed to be tourists trying to escape the flames.
Image: Plan Infoca/Europapress/dpa/picture alliance
Flames engulf a village
What began as a peaceful morning in Bedar quickly turned into a nightmare. Within hours, a fast-moving wildfire raced through forests and ravines near Los Gallardos in Andalusia. Residents and tourists fled in panic as roads were closed and emergency crews rushed to evacuate people. A local blaze rapidly became one of Spain's deadliest wildfire disasters.
Image: Loyola Perez de Villegas Muniz/REUTERS
Trapped while trying to escape
For many, help came too late. Around a dozen people were killed and about 20 remain missing. Four victims died inside a right-hand-drive car, leading authorities to believe they may have been British nationals, though their identities have not yet been confirmed. Many victims were trying to flee but were trapped by the fast-moving flames.
Around 400 firefighters, soldiers and emergency responders battled the blaze around the clock. More than 150 emergency calls flooded dispatch centers in a short time. About 150 people sheltered in a local community center, while more than 3,150 hectares (7,800 acres) of forests and farmland were destroyed.
Image: Chema Artero/REUTERS
Locals watch in fear
Residents gathered on the edge of the village, watching firefighters battle the blaze. Temperatures of up to 40°C (104°F) created ideal conditions for the wildfire. Dry vegetation, dense forests and strong winds fuelled the flames. Witnesses say the fire spreads with explosive speed, turning hillsides and fields into a sea of flames within minutes.
Image: Loyola Perez de Villegas Muniz/REUTERS
Power line under investigation
Early findings suggested a downed power line may have started the blaze. Investigators said a single spark could have ignited dry brush before the flames spread into nearby forests. The cause of the wildfire is still being investigated.
Image: Loyola Perez de Villegas Muniz/REUTERS
'There are no words for this grief'
After being evacuated, residents of Bedar are taken to safety at a sports hall in Garrucha, near Los Gallardos in Almería province. "There are no words for this grief," said Antonio Sanz, Andalusia's regional emergency chief. He described it as "an extremely complex and fast-moving wildfire." Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez also expressed his shock over the tragedy.
Image: Jose Jordan/AFP
Dream vacation turns into a nightmare
The region is one of southern Spain's most popular summer destinations. But instead of relaxation, many tourists face fear and chaos. The flames are visible even from a major highway as forests, vacation homes and farmland are threatened. For many visitors, their holiday ends abruptly while rescue crews continue searching for missing people.
Image: Europa Press/IMAGO
Climate change fuels the danger
Spain has experienced increasingly frequent and prolonged heat waves in recent years. The year 2025 was the country's third warmest on record. According to the European Forest Fire Information System, more than 393,000 hectares (971,000 acres) burned that year — the highest total ever recorded.
Image: Jose Jordan/AFP
A warning for Europe
The wildfire is not yet fully under control and the search for missing people continues. The disaster near Los Gallardos shows how devastating the combination of extreme heat, drought and strong winds can be. As Spain and France both battle major wildfires at the same time, concerns are growing that such tragedies could happen more often across Europe as the cliamte changes.
Image: Loyola Perez de Villegas Muniz/REUTERS
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Foreigners among Spain wildfire victims
Most of the victims who died in the fast-moving fire ignored shelter-in-place instructions, authorities said. The majority were foreigners, although their identities have not been released.
Antonio Sanz, the Andalusian regional government's emergency chief, said police did not find any more victims after searching the affected areas, but he warned that the search was still ongoing.
"That does not mean it cannot happen, but after the Civil Guard swept the area, including locations that were still hotspots, it gives us hope," he said.
Sanz added that the reported 23 missing people were misleading, as the figure referred to people their relatives had been unable to contact and who may have already reached evacuation centers or other safe places.
