A wildfire in Almeria, southern Spain, has claimed 12 lives, according to the Emergency Agency of Andalucía early on Friday. 150 firefighters are working to control the blaze, which officials describe as the most devastating in the region's history.
Unprecedented Tragedy
Minister of the Presidency, Health, and Emergencies Antonio Sanz called the fire “the most devastating fire to date in our region” and described the situation as an “unprecedented tragedy”. Earlier reports had indicated six deaths. The fire is affecting the municipality of Los Gallardos in Almería province, part of Spain’s southern Andalusia region.
Juanma Moreno, leader of Andalusia, expressed condolences on X: “Our deepest condolences to the families of the six people who lost their lives in the Los Gallardos and the affection from all of us to the municipalities affected by the fire.”
Heatwaves and Fire Risk
This blaze follows a wildfire in southern France earlier this week that forced the evacuation of over 10,000 people from two dozen towns near the Spanish border. Early summer heatwaves across western Europe in May and June have parched vast areas, making them particularly vulnerable to wildfires this year. The World Meteorological Organization has noted that Europe is warming at more than twice the global average, making prolonged heat episodes increasingly likely.
