Los Gallardos wildfire kills 13 and triggers coordinated emergency response in Almería

A massive wildfire swept through the Almería province towns of Los Gallardos, Bédar, Lubrín and Antas, scorching more than 7,000 hectares. Over 1,600 residents were evacuated and 13 people lost their lives.

Local officials sounded church bells as the smoke rose, while the national ES‑Alert system failed to issue warnings. Emergency services—including INFOCA, the UME helicopter unit, regional fire brigades, civil protection, and the 112 emergency number—operated from an advanced command post set up in Turre. Andalusian Government minister Antonio Sanz coordinated on‑site efforts, and mayors and councilors assisted in evacuations and sheltering.

Community solidarity followed the disaster, with citizens and businesses providing aid to evacuees and firefighters. The provincial council of Almería has begun reconstruction, pledging rapid financing for municipal expenses and restoring public services.