Eleven Dead in Devastating Wildfire in Los Gallardos (Almeria)

Los Gallardos – 10 July 2026: A wildfire that broke out on the evening of 9 July near the Andalusian town of Los Gallardos (province of Almeria) has claimed the lives of at least eleven people, according to official information. The Andalusian regional government and the emergency service reported the higher death toll on the morning of 10 July after emergency crews found further bodies in affected areas. Authorities stress that both the toll and the extent of the damage remain provisional.

Rescue workers report that several victims were discovered in vehicles or residential areas, apparently while trying to escape the rapidly advancing flames. Witnesses describe an abrupt fire dynamic, with heavy ember showers and shifting winds. Incident commanders described the situation as “exceptionally difficult,” as the fire split into several fronts and individual fire tongues pushed close to inhabited areas.

Precautionary evacuations affected several communities as well as tourist-oriented housing developments. Sections of the A-7 and N-340 were temporarily closed to keep emergency corridors clear and avoid endangering new fire hotspots. Health services reported numerous people injured by smoke inhalation and burns; several seriously injured people were transferred to specialist hospitals. Torrecardenas Hospital in Almeria coordinated admissions and transfers with nearby facilities.

Units from Plan Infoca, the Guardia Civil, the Policia Nacional Adscrita, municipal fire brigades and civil protection services are involved in fighting the fire. The regional government activated higher alert levels and reinforced the operation with additional ground crews, firefighting aircraft and helicopters. According to incident command, hundreds of personnel are working in shifts to hold fire lines, secure smouldering hotspots and keep access routes open for rescue and supply operations.

Identification of the dead is under way; some discovery sites are in difficult-to-access sections, delaying the work. An investigation into the cause has been launched. Forensic teams are securing evidence in potential ignition areas and documenting wind conditions as well as utility and traffic incidents that may have influenced the course of the fire. Officials are urging the public to strictly observe roadblocks, follow evacuation instructions and report fire sightings immediately.

Spain faces a recurring high wildfire risk during the summer months; periods of drought, high temperatures and dry vegetation contribute to rapidly spreading fires. Andalusian authorities point to existing prevention rules, including the ban on open fires near woodland and the obligation to keep emergency routes clear. In the affected region, operations are currently focused on stabilising the fire perimeter, searching for missing people and determining return conditions for evacuated residents.