A fast-moving wildfire has turned parts of southern Spain into a disaster zone, leaving at least 11 people dead, dozens missing and entire communities forced to flee as officials warn the toll could still rise.
At least 11 people have died, and 19 others remain missing after a devastating wildfire swept through southern Spain’s Andalusia region, marking one of the country’s deadliest fire disasters in recent years.
Regional president Juanma Moreno said the blaze erupted near Los Gallardos in Almería and spread rapidly through wooded areas, trapping residents and visitors as flames raced across the landscape.
“Our hearts are heavy, and we are devastated by grief,” Moreno said, warning that the number of victims could still increase as emergency crews continue searching the affected areas.
Authorities believe the fire may have started after a power line collapsed, although investigators are still working to establish the exact cause.
The bodies of the victims were discovered in and around the village of Bédar, close to Los Gallardos. Emergency officials said several people appeared to have died while desperately trying to escape the advancing flames.
Antonio Sanz, Andalusia’s health and emergencies minister, described it as the most devastating wildfire the region has ever experienced.
Among the victims were four people found trapped inside a vehicle. Early investigations suggest they were British nationals after officials noticed the vehicle had a right-hand steering wheel. The BBC has contacted the UK’s Foreign Office for confirmation.
Sanz added that many, and possibly all, of those who died may have been foreign nationals, though authorities are still working to formally identify every victim.
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The fire has also left several people injured. Four victims are being treated in hospital for severe burns, while another four suffered less serious burns and smoke inhalation.
Hundreds of firefighters, emergency workers and volunteers are battling the blaze, while Spain’s Military Emergency Unit has joined the operation to help contain the flames.
Around 1,000 residents have been evacuated as authorities closed roads and urged people to stay away from danger zones while firefighting efforts continue.
Officials say the fire spread with unusual speed after igniting during an intense heatwave that has pushed temperatures close to 40°C across much of southern Spain.
Moreno said preliminary evidence points to the collapse of an electricity pole.
“Everything appears to point to the collapse of a power line pole, although this will still need to be investigated,” he said, adding that anyone found responsible for poor maintenance would be held accountable.
Spain has faced another difficult wildfire season this year after months of extreme heat and prolonged dry conditions.
Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez had earlier announced the country’s largest-ever summer wildfire response, warning that rising temperatures were increasing the threat of large and destructive fires.
According to the European Forest Fire Information System, more than 393,000 hectares of land burned in Spain last year, over six times the country’s long-term average.
Scientists say climate change is making heatwaves longer and more intense across Europe, creating conditions that allow wildfires to ignite more easily and spread much faster.
Search teams remain on the ground as firefighters continue working to bring the blaze under control, with officials warning that both the death toll and the number of missing people could change as rescue operations continue.
