At least 11 people have died, 19 remain unaccounted for, and approximately 600 residents have been displaced after a massive wildfire swept through southern Spain's Andalusia region, according to the Regional Government of Andalusia. The fire broke out in the municipality of Los Gallardos and is currently affecting the municipalities of Los Gallardos, Bedar, and Antas in the Almeria province.
Death toll corrected and evacuation details
The regional government confirmed the death toll stands at 11, correcting earlier reports of 12 fatalities. Around 600 people remain displaced from their homes, with about 120 residents evacuated overnight, joining those previously evacuated from the Almocaizar neighbourhood, Fuente del Albarico, Los Pinos, La Serena, and the Pinar area of nearby Bedar. Authorities said 74 evacuees have been accommodated at the Lubrin theatre and another 74 at the Garrucha theatre.
Official appeals and injuries
Antonio Sanz Cabello, Andalusia's Minister of the Presidency, Health and Emergencies, appealed to residents to strictly follow official safety directives. "I want to make an appeal to everyone's sense of responsibility. In an emergency, the authorities' instructions are not recommendations: they are designed to protect lives. If evacuation or confinement is ordered, do so immediately and following the established routes," Sanz said in a post on X, while expressing gratitude to emergency personnel. Officials stated that four people suffered serious burns and smoke inhalation and were evacuated to a hospital, with authorities considering transferring them to Virgen del Rocio Hospital in Seville for specialised treatment. Four other people were treated at the scene for respiratory problems and minor burns.
Unaccounted for and fire containment
Juanma Moreno, President of Andalusia, in a post on X, confirmed the death toll and injuries and noted that 19 people are still unaccounted for. "The consequences of the Los Gallardos are devastating. There are 19 people unaccounted for. At least 11 dead. And 8 injured, 4 of them seriously. We are all focused on caring for those affected, and the response team is working tirelessly to contain the fire as soon as possible," his post read. The regional government stated that the wildfire had scorched around 3,150 hectares. Sanz said the fire fronts are currently not advancing but warned that authorities remain on high alert due to an expected shift in wind conditions.
Emergency plan maintained
The Andalusian Regional Government has maintained the Emergency Plan for Forest Fires of Andalusia (Plan Infoca) in the emergency phase in Almeria because of the fire's scale and continued risk.
