Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Almería Wildfire Burns 7,000 ha, 12 Dead, 1,500 Evacuated

7/15/2026

50 11 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

The fire, likely ignited by a power line, scorched about 7,000 hectares and at its peak spread 100 metres per minute, trapping people in vehicles.
Families say authorities gave no warning, prompting the evacuation of roughly 1,500 residents from Almería villages as flames spread.
DNA samples identified 12 of the 13 bodies, prompting Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez to urge stronger fire-prevention policies citing climate-change-driven heatwaves.

History

Historical Context

The 2003 European heatwave, which killed more than 70,000 people, set a benchmark for climate-driven fires. This summer, a heatwave that peaked at 44 °C in Andújar produced 212 heat-related deaths by 25 June and sparked the July 9 Almería wildfire that left at least 12 dead. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez cites the same pattern.

1 of 2

Story summary

The fire, likely ignited by a power line, scorched about 7,000 hectares and at its peak spread 100 metres per minute, trapping people in vehicles.
Families say authorities gave no warning, prompting the evacuation of roughly 1,500 residents from Almería villages as flames spread.
DNA samples identified 12 of the 13 bodies, prompting Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez to urge stronger fire-prevention policies citing climate-change-driven heatwaves.

1 / 2