Almeria: At least 12 people have died in a devastating wildfire in Almeria, southern Spain, as around 150 firefighters continue efforts to contain the blaze that erupted during an intense heatwave.
The regional government of Andalusia confirmed that the death toll rose after six additional fatalities were verified. Most of the victims were reported in the hamlet of Bedar, where the fire spread rapidly through dry vegetation.
Authorities stated that the wildfire also left at least six people injured. A woman with burn injuries and another individual suffering from smoke inhalation were taken to the hospital, while four others received treatment at the scene for minor burns and respiratory issues caused by thick smoke.
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Se ha decretado el confinamiento preventivo de la urbanización Montemayor.
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Officials have not yet determined the exact cause of the fire. However, eyewitnesses suggested that a fallen power line may have ignited the dry undergrowth, allowing the flames to spread quickly across nearby woodland.
The fast-moving blaze forced road closures and evacuations, with approximately 50 residents taking shelter in a local cultural centre. Spain’s Military Emergency Unit was expected to reinforce firefighting operations as crews worked to bring the fire under control.
Andalusian regional president Juanma Moreno described the incident as ‘a tragedy’ and extended his condolences to the victims’ families, saying the region was ‘devastated by grief.’ The wildfire comes as Spain endures another severe heatwave, with orange weather alerts issued across parts of Andalusia due to soaring temperatures.
Spain has faced increasingly frequent and intense wildfires in recent years, driven by prolonged drought and extreme heat. According to the European Forest Fire Information System (EFFIS), more than 393,000 hectares burned across the country in 2025, marking one of its worst wildfire years on record.
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