Death toll in Southern Spain wildfire climbs to 12

Lead

A fast-moving wildfire in southern Spain has killed at least 12 people, according to regional officials, with some reports placing the death toll at 13. The blaze broke out on Thursday in the Los Gallardos area of Almeria province in the Andalusia region, an area home to many foreign residents. Strong winds quickly fanned the flames into the neighbouring municipality of Bedar, where emergency services discovered several victims trapped inside vehicles as they attempted to flee.

The Andalusian regional government said in a statement that the number of deaths had risen to 12 after the confirmation of six more victims. However, other reports, including one from Al Jazeera, said at least 13 people had died and that 23 remained missing. Authorities have cautioned that the number of missing people remains uncertain until autopsies and the identification of bodies are completed.

Around 1,000 residents were evacuated, and several roads were closed as the fire spread rapidly through parched woodland and scrub, fuelled by dry conditions and strong winds. About 150 firefighters, supported by soldiers from Spain's Military Emergency Unit, have been battling the blaze, according to multiple reports. France 24 reported that around 500 firefighters and more than 20 water-dropping aircraft were involved in the effort.

Coverage comparison

Reports of the death toll vary. Most outlets, including Africa News, BBC — World, France 24 — English, The Guardian — World, Jerusalem Post, and The Hindu — World, reported 12 deaths. Al Jazeera, in two separate reports, initially put the toll at 13 and later reported that Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez had met with firefighters and emergency crews in connection with a fire that killed at least 13 people. One France 24 report also carried a death toll of 13 and provided details on the nationalities of some victims.

The cause of the fire has not been officially confirmed. Several reports noted that witnesses told authorities the blaze may have started after a power line fell, igniting dry vegetation before spreading rapidly through surrounding woodland. Authorities have not confirmed this account.

Injuries were reported across multiple sources: at least six people were injured, including a woman who suffered severe burns and another person who was hospitalised for smoke inhalation. Four others were treated at the scene for minor burns and respiratory problems caused by heavy smoke.

Key claims

• Death toll: At least 12 people died in the wildfire in Almeria, according to the Andalusian regional government, as reported by several outlets. One Al Jazeera report and one France 24 report placed the toll at 13.
• Location: The fire broke out in the Los Gallardos area of Almeria province, with some reports describing the area as part of the broader Andalusia region.
• Evacuations: Around 1,000 residents were evacuated, according to emergency services as reported by multiple outlets. France 24 later reported that some 1,500 evacuated residents had been allowed to return home.
• Injuries: Six people were injured, including a woman with severe burns and another person hospitalised for smoke inhalation, as reported by several outlets.
• Cause: The fire may have been started by a downed power line, according to witnesses cited in multiple reports. Authorities have not confirmed the cause.
• Prime Minister's visit: Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez met with firefighters and emergency crews who battled the wildfire, according to an Al Jazeera report. He called for stronger prevention measures, including more civil protection training and fire safety education.
• Victim nationalities: Five Britons, three Belgians, and one national each from France and Spain were among the 13 victims, according to a France 24 report citing authorities. Three victims remained unidentified at the time of that report.
• Firefighting effort: About 150 firefighters were initially reported battling the blaze, with numbers later increasing to around 500 firefighters and more than 20 water-dropping aircraft, according to France 24. Spain's Military Emergency Unit was due to join the effort, as reported by multiple outlets.
• Damage: The fire has scorched about 7,000 hectares of forest and scrubland, according to a France 24 report. Another report from the same outlet described the fire as having burned around 6,600 hectares.
• Context: The fire occurred as Spain endured a heatwave, with temperatures often exceeding 40°C. Reports from BBC — World and The Guardian — World noted that human-caused climate breakdown is increasing the likelihood of fire and larger burned areas in southern Europe.