Southern Spain Wildfire Kills 12, Leaves 23 Missing as 1,400 Flee Homes
Updated
Updated · The New York Times · Jul 11
Southern Spain Wildfire Kills 12, Leaves 23 Missing as 1,400 Flee Homes
3 articles · Updated · The New York Times · Jul 11
Summary
Hundreds of firefighters were still battling a wildfire in southern Spain on Saturday after it killed at least 12 people, making it one of the country’s deadliest blazes on record.
Twenty-three people remained missing as of Saturday afternoon, and officials said most of those confirmed dead were foreigners.
More than 1,400 residents were evacuated in Andalusia, with many sheltering in sports halls or hotels, regional health minister Antonio Sanz Cabello said.
Heat waves across parts of Europe have left vegetation dangerously dry, and Andalusia’s fire service warned the risk of further wildfires remained very high despite cooler temperatures Saturday.
Why did Spain's wildfire become a death trap primarily for foreign nationals?
Is a 'lethal cocktail' of neglect and climate change creating Europe's new mega-fires?
Was Spain's deadliest fire a tragic accident or the result of systemic failure?
Catastrophe in Almería: How the 2026 Wildfire Became Spain’s Deadliest in 20 Years and What It Means for Europe’s Future
Overview
The 2026 wildfires in Almería, Andalusia, began in the steep ravines of Los Gallardos and quickly spread due to high winds and extremely dry terrain, which acted as perfect fuel. This volatile mix turned the area into a ticking time bomb, leading to several fatalities and forcing thousands of families to evacuate. The tragedy has drawn deep sorrow from both regional and national leaders, highlighting the devastating human toll. The ongoing crisis underscores how dangerous environmental conditions, combined with heat waves and strong winds, can rapidly escalate wildfires with catastrophic consequences for communities.