A catastrophic wildfire broke out Thursday evening (July 9, 2026) in Almería, southern Spain, killing at least 12 people and leaving 19 others missing. Some of the victims were found inside their vehicles, according to Juan Manuel Moreno Bonilla, president of the Andalusian regional government.
Most Victims Were Foreign Nationals
Spanish authorities say most of the deceased appear to have been foreign nationals who ignored evacuation orders to seek safe shelter from the fast-moving blaze. Four of those killed—possibly British citizens, based on their right-hand-drive vehicle—died inside their car, Moreno Bonilla said.
Failed Evacuation Attempts
Antonio Sánchez, Andalusia’s Minister of Health and Emergency Management, confirmed that residents had been instructed to stay indoors. It appears many victims attempted to flee by road and perished inside their vehicles. Seven others were found dead after abandoning their cars and trying to escape on foot along a route not included in the official evacuation plan.
Comparisons to 2017 Portugal Disaster
The conditions echo those seen in neighboring Portugal in June 2017, when an extreme heatwave fueled a massive wildfire that killed over 60 people and injured dozens more—half of the victims reportedly carbonized inside their vehicles while attempting to flee.
Origin and Challenges
The fire is believed to have started when a power line loosened and fell onto dry scrubland, said Pedro Ridao, mayor of the nearby town of Adra, speaking to Spain’s public broadcaster TVE. He added that strong afternoon winds accelerated the fire’s spread, and the area’s numerous ravines severely hindered emergency response access.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez expressed “immense sorrow” over the “tragic consequences” of the fire affecting Almería province.