Los Gallardos wildfire in Almería stabilizes, death toll rises to 13

A fast‑spreading forest fire broke out on July 10‑11 2026 near Los Gallardos in the province of Almería, southern Spain. The blaze burned roughly 7 000 hectares and swept through a 40‑km perimeter, killing twelve people initially and later a thirteenth victim – a 93‑year‑old woman hospitalised after the fire. Eight people remain officially missing and several others are injured, four of them in serious condition.

Around 1 500–1 600 residents were evacuated from Los Gallardos, Bédar and neighbouring villages. After the wind died down and humidity rose, authorities declared the fire “stabilised” and perimetrated on July 12. The regional president Juan Manuel Moreno announced a phased return of the displaced, and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez is scheduled to visit the area. Search operations involving a hundred‑plus guards, the Grupo de Emergencias de Andalucía, the Unidad Militar de Emergencias (UME) and drones concluded without finding additional victims. DNA analysis of the deceased continues, with authorities coordinating with consular offices in the United Kingdom, France and Belgium.

The defence minister Margarita Robles and President Moreno agreed to keep the UME deployed for as long as needed, emphasising the “intense, intelligent and honest cooperation” among administrations that prevented a larger loss of life.