A wildfire that erupted late on 9 July near Los Gallardos in the southern province of Almería has killed at least 12 people, most of them foreign nationals including British and Belgian citizens, while 23 others remain missing. Eight survivors were hospitalised, four in critical condition.
The blaze has scorched more than 6,000 hectares and forced the evacuation of over 1,400 residents. Preliminary findings suggest a fallen electricity pylon triggered the fire. The Civil Guard is conducting genetic analysis to identify the victims and has reviewed roughly 250 properties.
More than 500 emergency personnel, including 220 soldiers from the Military Emergencies Unit, battled the flames alongside aircraft. The fire's perimeter stabilised on 11 July, and Presidency Minister Félix Bolaños confirmed most homes within the perimeter were saved.