In brief
Severe wildfires in Spain’s Almería province have killed thirteen people, including seven Britons. Twelve of the victims were foreign nationals, with the rest of the deaths spread across the UK, Belgium, France, and the US. Fires forced the evacuation of about 1,500 residents and consumed roughly 7,000 hectares of land. Survivors recount the desperate escape from burning vehicles, while authorities confirm containment of the blaze.
The latest tragic blaze in southern Spain’s Almería province has claimed thirteen lives, including seven British nationals, a spokesperson for the Spanish Foreign Minister said on Tuesday after post‑mortem identification.
Just 12 of the victims were foreign residents. The fatalities were spread among seven people from the United Kingdom, three from Belgium, one from France, one from the United States, with the remaining person identified as Spanish. Eight were women and five men, all adults.
The victims include the couple Pete and Fran Gillam, who lived in Bédar – a village that suffered the hardest blow. Their daughter Danielle revealed on Facebook that her parents did not survive the fire.
Nearly 1,500 residents were evacuated as emergency crews fought the flames for days. The fires ultimately burned through approximately 7,000 hectares (roughly 17,300 acres) before being brought under control.
Survivor Malcolm Timbrell, 70, recounted a tense moment when he was separated from his group and escaped by hiding in one of the last cars that did not ignite. “The last two cars, although badly singed, survived,” he told the BBC, noting that he sheltered inside one along with his cat.
Spain has endured frequent, severe heatwaves in recent years, with temperatures regularly topping 40°C. This latest event has added to the growing toll of extreme weather incidents across the country.
