Almería’s Los Gallardos wildfire kills 13, sparks aid and environmental concerns

A forest fire that started near Los Gallardos in the Almería province of southern Spain burned roughly 7,000 hectares of vegetation and caused 13 deaths. The victims included a Spanish couple, seven Britons, three Belgians, a French woman, an American woman and a 93‑year‑old British woman who later died in hospital. Identification of all victims was completed by the Centre Integrated of Data (CID) using DNA analysis, and the bodies of five victims have been handed to their families.

The Spanish government announced it will cover 50 % of the costs for environmental restoration and reforestation, while Unicaja Bank launched interest‑free loans for affected households, businesses and farmers. Greenpeace cited the fire as part of a broader climate‑related mortality surge in Spain, urging a State‑wide climate pact and a phase‑out of fossil fuels. Environmental groups warned that the blaze threatens the habitat of the endangered spur‑thighed tortoise, one of Europe’s largest populations.

Political leaders, including Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez and Andalusian President Juanma Moreno, visited the site, emphasizing cooperation between national and regional authorities. A judicial inquiry has been opened to examine the emergency response and possible negligence. Reconstruction efforts are underway, coordinated by the Junta de Andalucía and other agencies.