Assessment Begins After Major Wildfire in Andalusia

Los Gallardos – 12/07/2026: Following the severe wildfire in eastern Andalusia, an assessment of the damage has begun in the affected municipalities of the province of Almeria. The fire broke out on Thursday, 09/07/2026, near Los Gallardos and spread rapidly amid extreme drought and strong winds. Large areas of scrubland, agricultural land and scattered homes were affected.

According to the Andalusian emergency command, twelve fatalities have so far been confirmed. The victims were reportedly found in the municipality of Bedar. The number of people still missing has been reported differently in recent days; Spanish media most recently reported that the search continues for more than twenty people. A possible French victim had not been independently officially confirmed as of Sunday.

Firefighters are using the now weaker winds for a direct attack on remaining fire hotspots. According to reports on Saturday, around 500 emergency personnel remained deployed on the ground and were again supported from the air. The right flank of the fire area had previously been considered particularly critical because the flames could spread towards agricultural land.

According to the latest information, the destroyed area covers around 6,600 hectares. Estimates of the affected area had been lower during the first days of the operation because the situation was initially difficult to assess. In addition to firefighting, the focus is now on searching remote properties, identifying the dead and inspecting damaged buildings.

For many residents, this marks the beginning of a particularly distressing phase. Burned vegetation, ash deposits and damaged access roads can be seen in the affected communities. Authorities must determine which homes can be re-entered and where there is a risk from unstable trees, smouldering hotspots or damaged utility lines. Evacuees are to return only after receiving the appropriate clearance.

Investigations into the cause of the fire are under way. Citing initial findings, media reported that a possibly abandoned power cable may have triggered the blaze. However, no final official determination has been made. The Guardia Civil is also investigating the circumstances of the deaths and continuing the search for missing people.

The Andalusian regional government has ordered three days of mourning because of the victims. The fire near Los Gallardos is already among Spain’s most consequential wildfires this year. For the affected municipalities, the key issue will be how quickly the search can be completed, infrastructure secured and concrete assistance organized for families, farmers and owners of damaged buildings.