A massive wildfire in southern Spain has claimed at least 12 lives and forced the evacuation of more than 1,400 residents, making it one of the deadliest blazes the region has experienced in recent years. Authorities said the fire spread rapidly near the town of Los Gallardos in Costa de Almería, leaving little time for many people to escape.
More than 460 emergency personnel have been deployed to battle the fast-moving wildfire. Spanish Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska confirmed that at least eight people were injured, including four with serious burns and other critical injuries.
Antonio Sanz, Andalusia’s Minister for Health and Emergencies, said around 1,405 people were evacuated from homes in the tourist-frequented area, describing it as the region’s most devastating wildfire to date.
Andalusia regional president Juanma Moreno said the blaze “spread like gunpowder,” calling it one of the fastest and most complex wildfires authorities have faced. While initial reports suggested 23 people were missing, officials later clarified that only three formal missing persons reports had been filed.
Authorities revealed heartbreaking details about the victims. Four people died inside a vehicle while trying to flee, while seven others lost their lives on foot after becoming trapped by the rapidly advancing flames in a dry riverbed. Officials described the riverbed as a deadly escape route that turned into a trap.
The wildfire comes as Europe continues to battle an intense summer heatwave, with Spain, Portugal and France experiencing multiple large-scale forest fires fueled by soaring temperatures and strong winds. Firefighters remain on high alert as weather conditions are expected to make containment efforts more challenging.