Key facts
- A British woman has died, becoming the 14th victim of wildfires in Los Gallardos, Spain.
- The wildfires began on July 9, 2026, in the Almería Province.
- The fires have destroyed numerous vehicles and homes.
- At least 1,600 residents were evacuated.
- The fire burned approximately 7,000 hectares (17,000 acres).
A British woman has died from injuries sustained in the devastating wildfires that broke out near Los Gallardos, Almería Province, Spain, on July 9, 2026. She is the 14th confirmed fatality from the fires, which have also resulted in at least 17 injuries and 10 people missing. The blaze, fueled by heatwaves and strong winds, has destroyed numerous homes and vehicles, forcing the evacuation of over 1,600 residents.
The wildfire, which burned dry esparto grass, pastures, and low scrub, has affected the towns of Los Gallardos, Bédar, Antas, and Lubrín. It is considered the deadliest in Andalusian history and the third deadliest in Spanish history. Authorities are investigating the cause, with some witnesses reporting a downed power line, a claim denied by electricity provider Endesa.
Firefighting efforts involved 150 firefighters, 124 vehicles, and 30 aircraft, with the Military Emergencies Unit (UME) deploying 220 personnel. Despite the challenges posed by strong winds and extreme heat, improved weather conditions later allowed firefighters to transition to a direct attack on the flames. The fire burned approximately 7,000 hectares (17,000 acres) before being declared stabilized, though monitoring and hotspot extinguishing continue.