At least 12 killed in Spanish wildfire as southern Europe bakes in heatwave

Tragedy in southeastern Spain

At least 12 people have died in a wildfire in Los Gallardos in the southeastern province of Almería, according to the Andalusian regional government. Six others have been injured. Some of the victims were found inside vehicles that had been engulfed by flames. Witnesses say the fire was caused by a downed power line, and the blaze spread quickly to a nearby wooded area. Authorities have not yet confirmed the cause.

Heatwave and widespread fires

A sustained heatwave with temperatures around 40°C (104°F) has caused wildfires across southern Europe. Hundreds of firefighters are battling major incidents in France, Portugal and Spain, and thousands have been forced to leave their homes. In May, Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said Spain would deploy its largest-ever summer wildfire response this year. Spain's Military Emergency Unit (UME) said it would join firefighting efforts in Los Gallardos.

Response and casualties

About 150 firefighters worked to suppress the fire in the hamlet of Bedar. Among the injured, one person was taken to hospital with smoke inhalation, and another suffered burns. Four people were treated at the scene for minor burns and respiratory problems caused by heavy smoke. The fire led to road closures, and 1,000 residents were evacuated, according to emergency services.

Climate change link

Climate change is driving up temperatures worldwide, and Europe is the fastest-warming continent, heating up twice as fast as the global average, according to the Copernicus climate service. This causes more intense summer heatwaves, greater pressure on water supplies, and more severe wildfires. Last year, a record 393,000 hectares (971,000 acres) burned in Spain, more than six times the Spanish average from 2006 to 2024. The 2024 wildfire season was the European Union's worst since records began in 2006. Experts warn that more frequent and severe fires across Europe are likely to continue in the future.