At least 13 people, including five believed to be British, have died in a wildfire in Spain’s Almería province, with a 93-year-old British woman succumbing to injuries on Sunday. The blaze, now contained, scorched about 7,000 hectares of land, fueled by winds up to 50 km/h.
Bédar residents assess damage after wildfire
Emma and Simon Mitchell, a British couple who moved to Bédar three years ago, returned to their home on Sunday after evacuations lifted. Their property survived, though nearby homes were destroyed. Emma criticized local officials for unclear evacuation instructions and victim-blaming, stating, "These people that died, they had no instructions to follow."
Authorities said alerts were withheld to avoid complicating evacuations, relying instead on door-to-door warnings. The Mitchells, who care for 15 chickens and three dogs, found their animals unharmed and utilities intact despite the surrounding inferno.
Wildfire among Spain’s deadliest
The Almería fire ranks among Spain’s deadliest, with historical blazes including 20 deaths in La Gomera (1984) and 21 near Lloret de Mar (1979). A British couple hiking near the fire was hospitalized in intensive care with severe burns.
Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez is scheduled to visit the devastated area of Los Gallardos on Monday. Climate change is cited as a factor in rising temperatures and intensified wildfires globally.
