ALMERÍA, SPAIN — At least 12 people have been killed and 23 others remain missing after a fast-moving wildfire swept through southern Spain, leaving communities devastated and emergency crews battling desperately to bring the blaze under control.
The wildfire erupted near Los Gallardos in Spain’s southern province of Almería, close to the Sierra de Los Filabres mountains. Fanned by strong winds, extreme heat and exceptionally dry conditions, the flames spread rapidly across forest and farmland, burning more than 3,200 hectares.
Emergency officials described the disaster as one of Spain’s deadliest wildfires in recent history.
Many of the victims are believed to have been caught while attempting to escape the advancing flames. Some were discovered in vehicles overwhelmed by the fire, while authorities fear that several of those still missing may have been in isolated rural areas when the blaze spread.
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Search teams are continuing operations across the affected region as officials warn that the death toll could rise.
More than 150 firefighters, supported by about 220 military personnel, have been deployed to the disaster zone. Firefighting aircraft and helicopters have also joined ground crews in a major effort to contain the inferno and protect nearby communities.
The intense heat and unpredictable winds have complicated operations, with emergency teams working through difficult terrain and dangerous conditions.
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Several residents have been evacuated from threatened areas, while emergency shelters have been opened for people forced to leave their homes.
Authorities are also working to formally identify the victims. Officials say the process could take time in some cases, with forensic testing required.
An investigation has been launched into the cause of the wildfire. Early indications suggest that a fallen power cable may have played a role, although the circumstances surrounding the outbreak remain under investigation.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy and pledged continued government support for emergency teams and affected communities.
The disaster comes as Spain and other parts of Europe endure extreme summer temperatures, with heat exceeding 40 degrees Celsius in some areas. Hot, dry and windy conditions have significantly increased the risk of wildfires across the continent.
Spain has already experienced a severe wildfire season, with tens of thousands of hectares of land reportedly destroyed by fires in 2026.
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As firefighters continue their battle against the flames, families are desperately awaiting news of missing relatives and friends.
Emergency officials have urged residents in threatened areas to strictly follow evacuation and shelter instructions as crews work to prevent further loss of life.
For communities across Almería, the full scale of the tragedy is still unfolding.
The search for the missing continues, while Spain mourns the victims of one of its deadliest wildfire disasters in years.
