Deadly Los Gallardos Wildfire Leaves at Least 11 Dead and 19 Missing

On July 10 2026 a fast-moving wildfire erupted in the Los Gallardos district of Almería, Andalusia, engulfing the village of Bédar and surrounding scrubland. The blaze, fanned by winds of about 50 km/h, raced 15 km in two hours and forced residents and tourists to flee through steep, forested terrain. Emergency services reported 11 confirmed deaths, 19 people still missing, and eight injuries (four serious). Four of the deceased were found inside a right-hand-drive vehicle, suggesting they were British nationals.

Eleven dead, 19 missing as Spain wildfire roars through village

The fire broke out amid a heatwave that pushed temperatures in southern Spain to ? 40 °C (104 °F), a condition scientists link to human-driven climate change. Spain recorded ? 57 000 ha burned this year—about half the two-decade average—and the previous summer saw a record-breaking season that burned ? 330 000 ha. Such extreme heat and drought have turned the Mediterranean landscape into a tinderbox, increasing the frequency of rapid-spread wildfires.

12 dead, 19 missing in southern Spain wildfire

• Antonio Sanz – Andalusia’s minister for emergencies and health.

At Least 11 Dead In Southern Spain Wildfire Amid Heatwave

• Juan Manuel Moreno Bonilla – President of the Andalusian regional government.

France 24

• Pedro Sánchez – Prime Minister of Spain.

At Least 11 Dead In Southern Spain Wildfire Amid Heatwave

• Angel Francisco Collado – Mayor of Bédar.

France 24

• Endesa – Electricity provider whose network was initially suspected but later denied involvement.

Eleven killed, 19 missing in one of Spain's deadliest wildfires Friday

• UK Foreign Office – Monitoring the situation for British nationals.

WION

• Death toll: 11 confirmed (some reports later cited 12).

Spain wildfire leaves 11 dead, 19 missing

• Missing: 19 (other sources mention 23).

WION

• Injured: 8 (4 serious).

12 Dead and 19 Missing as Catastrophic Wildfire Decimates Tourist Village in Southern Spain

• Area burned: ? 3 200 ha (? 7 900 acres).

France 24

• Responders: ? 400 firefighters and troops (including Spain’s Military Emergency Unit).

Eleven dead, 19 missing in Southern Spain wildfire

• Temperatures: ? 40 °C across Andalusia and neighboring France.

Eleven dead, 19 missing as Spain wildfire roars through village

The incident is among the deadliest wildfires in Spain in more than two decades and highlights the vulnerability of rural tourist enclaves where foreign residents outnumber locals. The loss of life, especially among foreign nationals, has prompted diplomatic outreach and underscores the need for robust evacuation planning in fire-prone terrain. Climate experts warn that rising temperatures will make such events more common, stressing the urgency of mitigation and adaptation policies.

12 Dead and 19 Missing as Catastrophic Wildfire Decimates Tourist Village in Southern Spain

Andalusian authorities emphasized that the fire likely originated from a fallen power line, though Endesa later stated the line was inactive and unrelated. Minister Sanz called the blaze “truly tragic” and warned that “the rugged terrain…has made access extremely difficult.” President Moreno urged residents to follow official evacuation routes, noting that failure to do so may have contributed to fatalities. Prime Minister Sánchez expressed “immense sadness and desolation” over the disaster and pledged solidarity with victims’ families.

At Least 11 Dead In Southern Spain Wildfire Amid Heatwave

Local observers criticized the mixed evacuation guidance, which alternated between shelter-in-place orders and recommended escape routes. The lack of a confirmed ignition source and the disputed role of utility infrastructure have drawn calls for clearer accountability and improved maintenance of power lines in fire-prone zones.

At least 11 dead in Spain wildfire as crews battle to contain blaze

An eyewitness reported “gas cylinders exploding, houses on fire, windows shattering,” and said some people “got away by the skin of their teeth.” Residents described the fire’s “extraordinary pace” as it surged through steep ravines.

France 24

• Death toll: 11 (initial) vs. 12 (later updates).

Daily Record (Scotland)

• Missing persons: 19 vs. 23.

WION

• Cause: power line suspected by witnesses, but Endesa and Red Eléctrica deny ownership of the line; investigation remains open.

At least 11 dead in Spain wildfire as crews battle to contain blaze

• Victim identities: many presumed foreign tourists; DNA testing is required for definitive identification.

WION

• “At the moment, we have confirmed that 11 people have lost their lives in the Los Gallardos fire; there are no words for such grief,” — Antonio Sanz, Andalusia’s minister for emergencies

South China Morning Post

• “Everything indicates that the deceased are, mostly or entirely, foreign nationals,” — Antonio Sanz, Andalusia’s minister for emergencies

Eleven dead, 19 missing as Spain wildfire roars through village

• “Our hearts are heavy and we are devastated by grief.” — Juan Manuel Moreno Bonilla, President of Andalusia

12 Dead and 19 Missing as Catastrophic Wildfire Decimates Tourist Village in Southern Spain

• “Immense sadness and desolation in the face of the terrible consequences of the fire affecting the province of Almeria.” — Pedro Sánchez, Prime Minister of Spain

WTVJ - NBC 6 - Miami

• “I’m aware of those reports, and the Foreign Office are in touch with the relevant authorities in Spain,” — No 10 spokeswoman, UK Foreign Office

WION

Authorities will continue DNA testing to identify the charred remains and maintain search operations for the missing. A formal investigation into the fire’s ignition source is underway, with the Civil Guard leading the inquiry. Regional officials have reiterated the need for residents to adhere strictly to evacuation directives in future emergencies.

12 Dead and 19 Missing as Catastrophic Wildfire Decimates Tourist Village in Southern Spain