Spanish wildfire kills at least 11 as extreme heat grips southern Europe

A fast-moving wildfire in Spain’s Almería province has killed at least 11 people, according to the latest Associated Press reporting, which revised an earlier figure of 12. The fire burned in and around the Los Gallardos area in southern Spain and became one of the country’s deadliest recent wildfires.

The latest accounts also describe a widening human toll. Authorities and local media reported injuries, missing people and major disruption as emergency crews continued search and response operations on Friday.

Evacuations and emergency response

Regional authorities said roughly 1,000 residents were evacuated as the blaze spread through the area. Roads were closed as firefighters worked to slow the fire’s advance and protect nearby communities.

Spain’s Military Emergency Unit, or UME, was deployed alongside firefighters and other emergency services. The response remained active as officials tried to contain the fire and account for people who had not yet been located.

Cadena SER reported at least eight people injured, including some with serious burns. Later coverage also reported 19 missing people, underscoring how quickly the fire overwhelmed parts of the affected area.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez expressed condolences and support for the response effort. Local and regional authorities continued working with national emergency units as the emergency unfolded.

Heatwave conditions

The wildfire broke out during a severe heatwave gripping southern Europe, where hot, dry and windy weather has sharply raised wildfire risk. Those conditions helped the fire spread quickly and made firefighting more difficult.

The blaze has also added pressure to emergency services already dealing with extreme temperatures across the region. The wider weather pattern has been a central factor in the scale and speed of the fire’s spread.

What is known and what remains unclear

The death toll remains provisional. Early reports said 12 people had died, but AP later revised the figure to at least 11. Other coverage has described the possibility that the toll could change again as officials continue to confirm casualties.

Officials have not yet confirmed the fire’s exact cause. Some reporting has suggested it may have started after a fallen power line, but that has not been established.

Authorities are still working on containment, evacuations and the return-home timetable for displaced residents. Further updates are expected on the final casualty count, the number of missing people and the origin of the blaze.