Wildfire – Spain’s Almeria Blaze Leaves 13 Dead as Situation Stabilises
Wildfire – The deadly wildfire that swept across southeastern Spain has claimed 13 lives, even as officials say the emergency has entered a more stable phase. Authorities in the Andalusia region confirmed that the blaze in Almeria Province is no longer spreading rapidly, allowing emergency measures to be eased in several affected communities. However, rescue teams and firefighters continue working in the area as investigations into the cause of the disaster move forward.
Emergency Situation Improves but Rescue Work Continues
Regional authorities reported that the fire has been stabilised after several days of intensive firefighting efforts. Although the immediate threat has diminished, emergency services remain deployed to monitor the affected zones and prevent any possible flare-ups.
Health officials said seven people injured during the wildfire remain in hospital. Among them, three are receiving treatment for serious injuries. At the same time, search operations are continuing for 10 individuals who are still officially listed as missing, with rescue teams examining damaged areas as conditions gradually improve.
Thousands of Hectares Destroyed by the Fire
The wildfire began on Thursday near the municipality of Los Gallardos in Almeria, located within Spain’s southern autonomous region of Andalusia. Since then, the flames have consumed approximately 7,000 hectares of forests, farmland, and natural vegetation, leaving behind widespread destruction.
Public broadcaster RTVE reported that several of the victims and people affected by the disaster are foreign nationals, highlighting the international impact of the tragedy in an area that attracts residents and visitors from different countries.
Evacuation Orders Gradually Lifted
With the fire now contained within a defined perimeter, authorities have reduced the emergency response level and started allowing displaced residents to return home. Around 600 people were permitted to re-enter their communities on Saturday, while the remaining nearly 1,000 evacuees have now also received approval to return.
Officials have advised residents to remain cautious as emergency crews continue safety inspections in damaged neighbourhoods. Local administrations are assessing the condition of homes, infrastructure, and public utilities before declaring all affected areas fully secure.
Investigation Focuses on Possible Electrical Failure
Authorities have not yet determined the exact cause of the wildfire. Investigators are examining several possibilities, with the leading theory suggesting that the blaze may have started after an electricity pole or power cable collapsed.
Technical experts are inspecting electrical infrastructure near the point where the fire is believed to have originated. Officials have stressed that the investigation remains active and that no final conclusion has been reached.
Regional Leader Highlights Climate Concerns
Andalusian regional president Juanma Moreno said the wildfire has been brought under control within its established perimeter, although firefighting operations will continue until there is no remaining risk of reignition. He described the disaster as the most severe wildfire experienced in Andalusia in recent history.
Moreno also called for greater attention to the growing impact of climate change, stating that rising temperatures and increasingly challenging weather conditions are contributing to larger and more destructive wildfires. He noted that emergency services are facing fires of unprecedented scale that require greater preparedness and stronger prevention measures in the years ahead.
As recovery efforts continue, authorities remain focused on locating the missing, supporting affected families, and restoring normal life to communities impacted by one of Spain’s most devastating wildfire disasters.