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At Least 12 Dead in Almería Wildfire, Andalusia's Deadliest Ever
🇪🇸 Spain /Disasters & Emergencies

At Least 12 Dead in Almería Wildfire, Andalusia's Deadliest Ever

From El País · () Spanish

Translated from Spanish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Sources not specified Ongoing story
  • A wildfire in Los Gallardos, Almería, has claimed at least 12 lives, making it the deadliest in Andalusia's recorded history.
  • The victims, suspected to be foreign tourists, were caught by the fast-moving fire while attempting to evacuate via an unconventional route.
  • The fire has burned over 3,150 hectares in a complex, difficult terrain, prompting evacuations and the deployment of military emergency units.

At least 12 people have died in a wildfire that erupted Thursday in Los Gallardos, Almería, marking the deadliest fire in Andalusia's history. The regional government confirmed the provisional death toll, with initial reports suggesting the victims were foreign tourists caught off guard by the blaze.

a very fast fire, with a very high speed of propagation

— Antonio SanzThe Andalusian Minister of Emergencies described the rapid spread of the wildfire.

The fire spread with "very high speed" through a challenging, mountainous area dotted with scattered homes. The victims reportedly attempted to flee the area using a route different from the official evacuation path and were overcome by the flames. This tragic event surpasses previous deadly wildfires in the region, including one in Lloret de Mar in 1979 that killed 21 people and another in La Gomera in 1984 with 20 fatalities.

The Andalusian Minister of Emergencies, Antonio Sanz, described the fire as "complex," estimating its perimeter to exceed 3,150 hectares. The difficult terrain, characterized by numerous ravines, has hindered the deployment of heavy machinery. While efforts have focused on the head and right flank of the fire, the left flank, ending at a highway, remains challenging due to the "impossible" terrain.

There are many ravines, very bad topography, machinery could not enter.

— Antonio SanzThe minister explained the difficulties faced by firefighters due to the complex terrain.

Defense Minister Margarita Robles stated the situation was "unfavorable" and stressed the importance of residents following evacuation instructions. Approximately 200 personnel from the Military Emergencies Unit (UME), supported by 70 vehicles, are engaged in firefighting efforts. The fire and smoke have necessitated the preventive evacuation of several populated areas, including the entire municipality of Bédar, isolated homes, and multiple hamlets, as well as the Miraflores tourist complex.

the situation of the fire in Los Gallardos is unfavorable

— Margarita RoblesThe Minister of Defense commented on the severity of the wildfire situation.

The neighboring municipality of Antas also evacuated about 80 people as a precautionary measure. Mayor Pedro Ridao expressed concern about the wind's impact, although the fire affecting his area is reportedly "controlled." Firefighters are working to extinguish the devastating blaze that has kept residents on edge.

people continue to follow the instructions that are given for evacuation

— Margarita RoblesThe Minister of Defense urged residents to adhere to evacuation orders.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by El País in Spanish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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