A fast-moving wildfire in southern Spain killed at least 11 people on Thursday as Western Europe endures its third major heatwave in six weeks. The blaze ignited near the municipality of Los Gallardos in Almeria province before high winds pushed the flames into the neighboring rural community of Bedar.
Authorities have revised the confirmed death toll to 11, which includes four British nationals. Emergency services are currently searching for 19 missing individuals while approximately 400 personnel battle the fire.
The fire began Thursday afternoon near the N-340 highway. Initial investigations suggest a fallen power line ignited the dry scrubland, which has been severely parched by prolonged temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius. In June alone, Spain recorded over 1,000 excess deaths attributed directly to the extreme heat.
Several victims were found trapped inside burnt-out vehicles as they attempted to flee the forested terrain. Regional media outlet La Voz de Almeria reports this is the deadliest wildfire in Andalusia’s history across both the 20th and 21st centuries.
Regional authorities immediately elevated the wildfire response protocol to the emergency phase. That decision triggered the deployment of 150 specialists from Spain’s Military Emergency Unit.
Andalusia’s acting minister for health, presidency, and emergencies, Antonio Sanz, called the blaze an “unprecedented tragedy” and “the most devastating fire to date in our region.” Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez issued a statement expressing his “immense sadness and desolation.”
The blaze has forced the evacuation of roughly 1,000 residents. Authorities closed two major highways in the province due to heavy smoke.