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17 July 2026
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Spain wildfires kill 13 people in July 2026 as massive rescue operation unfolds
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Spain has been struck by one of its deadliest wildfire disasters in recent years after fast-moving fires swept through parts of southern Andalusia, killing 13 people and triggering a large-scale emergency response. The tragedy unfolded in the province of Almería, where extreme heat, powerful winds and prolonged drought combined to create ideal conditions for rapidly spreading wildfires.
The wildfire ignited near the municipalities of Los Gallardos and Bédar before spreading quickly through rugged hillsides covered with dry vegetation. Temperatures exceeding 40°C (104°F), low humidity and strong winds pushed flames across forests and farmland, leaving residents with little time to escape. Fire officials described the blaze as one of the fastest-moving wildfires Spain has experienced in recent years.
The fire eventually burned approximately 70 square kilometres of woodland and agricultural land, destroying homes, vehicles, and infrastructure while forcing widespread evacuations.
Thirteen lives lost
Authorities confirmed that 13 people died in the disaster. Many victims were caught while attempting to flee in vehicles or on foot after the fire changed direction unexpectedly. Investigators said several people did not follow designated evacuation routes because the fire spread so rapidly. Andalusia's health and emergencies minister, Antonio Sanz, said four of those killed were trapped inside a car.
Spanish authorities later identified all 13 victims through DNA and biological analysis. The victims included:
The victims comprised eight women and five men, highlighting the international impact of the tragedy in an area with a large expatriate community.
Firefighters battle extreme conditions
Hundreds of firefighters from regional and national emergency services were deployed to battle the blaze. Ground crews worked continuously alongside helicopters and water-dropping aircraft despite difficult terrain and rapidly changing wind conditions.
Emergency responders established defensive fire lines around populated areas while aerial firefighting aircraft targeted advancing flames from above. Civil Protection units coordinated evacuations and road closures as smoke reduced visibility across much of the affected region.
Authorities noted that steep mountainsides, dry vegetation, and intense heat complicated firefighting efforts, making it difficult to contain the fire during its most dangerous stages.
Search and rescue operation
Rescue teams launched an extensive search for missing residents after the fire swept through isolated rural communities. Police officers, firefighters, search dogs, drones, and helicopters were deployed to locate survivors and recover victims.
Initially, more than 20 people were reported missing. Over several days, emergency teams searched burned-out homes, vehicles, ravines, and forested areas. Some survivors were rescued after being located in remote terrain, while others required medical treatment for burns and smoke inhalation. Authorities eventually accounted for everyone after completing the identification process.
Evacuations and community impact
The wildfire forced residents and expatriates to evacuate their homes as flames advanced toward populated areas. Emergency shelters were opened for displaced families, while police closed roads leading into the danger zone. Many homes were damaged or destroyed, leaving communities facing significant rebuilding efforts. Local officials praised emergency workers and volunteers who assisted vulnerable residents during the evacuation process.
Investigation into the fire
Spanish authorities opened an investigation into the cause of the wildfire. While the exact ignition source remained under investigation, officials emphasised that exceptionally hot, dry weather and strong winds allowed the blaze to spread with extraordinary speed once it started.
Climate and growing wildfire risk
The deadly Almería wildfire occurred during one of Spain's most severe wildfire seasons in recent years. Scientists have warned that rising temperatures, prolonged droughts, and increasingly frequent heatwaves are lengthening wildfire seasons across southern Europe.
Later in July, another major wildfire burned in Guadalajara province, consuming more than 26,000 hectares and prompting additional evacuations. By that point, Spain had become the European Union country most affected by wildfires in 2026, with more than 104,000 hectares burned.
The La Mierla wildfire
The La Mierla wildfire, around 100 kilometres north-east of Madrid, began on Thursday and has burned almost 13,000 hectares, according to the latest official figures. During the early hours of Sunday, firefighters concentrated on two areas. Crews directly attacked the southern edge of the blaze near Gascueña de Bornova, while others worked to protect the villages of Navas de Jadraque and Bustares.
Authorities have now evacuated 16 villages and surrounding areas, including communities near the Beleña reservoir.
Officials in the Castilla-La Mancha region said the fire was displaying extreme behaviour, driven by strong south-westerly winds. They said the flames were advancing at more than 60 metres per minute, well above the level at which a wildfire is considered difficult to bring under control.
Spain’s Civil Guard is investigating the cause. Authorities believe the fire may have started during agricultural work involving a combine harvester.
Second wildfire grows as Spain's devastating fire season worsens
Meanwhile, the wildfire near Orés in Spain's north-eastern Zaragoza province has burned more than 15,400 hectares. Fire officials said the blaze showed favourable behaviour overnight, allowing crews to deploy additional aircraft and ground teams as weather conditions were expected to be less severe than in recent days.
The villages of Orés, Asín, Luesia, Malpica de Arba and Uncastillo remain under evacuation orders, while residents in Sos del Rey Católico, Navardún, Urriés and Castiliscar have been placed on alert.
Around 450 firefighters and emergency personnel are involved in the operation, closely monitoring changing winds to prevent flare-ups and protect nearby communities and the Sierra de Santo Domingo natural area. Aragón's 112 emergency service also dismissed online rumours that tractors were needed to help tackle the Orés wildfire, saying the claims were false.
The two blazes are part of what has become one of Spain's most severe wildfire seasons in recent years. Around 70,000 hectares have burned across the country so far this year, with authorities recording 18 major wildfires, almost three times the area affected during the same period in 2025.
Several other fires remain active. In the northern province of Huesca, firefighters continue to battle a blaze near the town of Plan, although its spread slowed overnight. Another wildfire near Fiscal has been largely stabilised.
In southern Spain, firefighters are also tackling blazes near Laujar de Andarax, in Almería province, and Purullena, in Granada province, with officials reporting favourable progress at the latter.
Elsewhere, residents evacuated from the village of Árchez in Málaga province have been allowed to return home after a nearby wildfire was stabilised. Authorities in the Madrid region have also brought a wildfire near Lozoyuela under control after it burned more than 700 hectares.
Sources: Euro News, Reuters, AP News, ITV, The Guardian
The wildfire ignited near the municipalities of Los Gallardos and Bédar before spreading quickly through rugged hillsides covered with dry vegetation. Temperatures exceeding 40°C (104°F), low humidity and strong winds pushed flames across forests and farmland, leaving residents with little time to escape. Fire officials described the blaze as one of the fastest-moving wildfires Spain has experienced in recent years.
The fire eventually burned approximately 70 square kilometres of woodland and agricultural land, destroying homes, vehicles, and infrastructure while forcing widespread evacuations.
Thirteen lives lost
Authorities confirmed that 13 people died in the disaster. Many victims were caught while attempting to flee in vehicles or on foot after the fire changed direction unexpectedly. Investigators said several people did not follow designated evacuation routes because the fire spread so rapidly. Andalusia's health and emergencies minister, Antonio Sanz, said four of those killed were trapped inside a car.
Spanish authorities later identified all 13 victims through DNA and biological analysis. The victims included:
- Seven British citizens
- Three Belgian nationals
- One French citizen
- One American citizen
- One Spanish citizen
The victims comprised eight women and five men, highlighting the international impact of the tragedy in an area with a large expatriate community.
Firefighters battle extreme conditions
Hundreds of firefighters from regional and national emergency services were deployed to battle the blaze. Ground crews worked continuously alongside helicopters and water-dropping aircraft despite difficult terrain and rapidly changing wind conditions.
Emergency responders established defensive fire lines around populated areas while aerial firefighting aircraft targeted advancing flames from above. Civil Protection units coordinated evacuations and road closures as smoke reduced visibility across much of the affected region.
Authorities noted that steep mountainsides, dry vegetation, and intense heat complicated firefighting efforts, making it difficult to contain the fire during its most dangerous stages.
Search and rescue operation
Rescue teams launched an extensive search for missing residents after the fire swept through isolated rural communities. Police officers, firefighters, search dogs, drones, and helicopters were deployed to locate survivors and recover victims.
Initially, more than 20 people were reported missing. Over several days, emergency teams searched burned-out homes, vehicles, ravines, and forested areas. Some survivors were rescued after being located in remote terrain, while others required medical treatment for burns and smoke inhalation. Authorities eventually accounted for everyone after completing the identification process.
Evacuations and community impact
The wildfire forced residents and expatriates to evacuate their homes as flames advanced toward populated areas. Emergency shelters were opened for displaced families, while police closed roads leading into the danger zone. Many homes were damaged or destroyed, leaving communities facing significant rebuilding efforts. Local officials praised emergency workers and volunteers who assisted vulnerable residents during the evacuation process.
Investigation into the fire
Spanish authorities opened an investigation into the cause of the wildfire. While the exact ignition source remained under investigation, officials emphasised that exceptionally hot, dry weather and strong winds allowed the blaze to spread with extraordinary speed once it started.
Climate and growing wildfire risk
The deadly Almería wildfire occurred during one of Spain's most severe wildfire seasons in recent years. Scientists have warned that rising temperatures, prolonged droughts, and increasingly frequent heatwaves are lengthening wildfire seasons across southern Europe.
Later in July, another major wildfire burned in Guadalajara province, consuming more than 26,000 hectares and prompting additional evacuations. By that point, Spain had become the European Union country most affected by wildfires in 2026, with more than 104,000 hectares burned.
The La Mierla wildfire
The La Mierla wildfire, around 100 kilometres north-east of Madrid, began on Thursday and has burned almost 13,000 hectares, according to the latest official figures. During the early hours of Sunday, firefighters concentrated on two areas. Crews directly attacked the southern edge of the blaze near Gascueña de Bornova, while others worked to protect the villages of Navas de Jadraque and Bustares.
Authorities have now evacuated 16 villages and surrounding areas, including communities near the Beleña reservoir.
Officials in the Castilla-La Mancha region said the fire was displaying extreme behaviour, driven by strong south-westerly winds. They said the flames were advancing at more than 60 metres per minute, well above the level at which a wildfire is considered difficult to bring under control.
Spain’s Civil Guard is investigating the cause. Authorities believe the fire may have started during agricultural work involving a combine harvester.
Second wildfire grows as Spain's devastating fire season worsens
Meanwhile, the wildfire near Orés in Spain's north-eastern Zaragoza province has burned more than 15,400 hectares. Fire officials said the blaze showed favourable behaviour overnight, allowing crews to deploy additional aircraft and ground teams as weather conditions were expected to be less severe than in recent days.
The villages of Orés, Asín, Luesia, Malpica de Arba and Uncastillo remain under evacuation orders, while residents in Sos del Rey Católico, Navardún, Urriés and Castiliscar have been placed on alert.
Around 450 firefighters and emergency personnel are involved in the operation, closely monitoring changing winds to prevent flare-ups and protect nearby communities and the Sierra de Santo Domingo natural area. Aragón's 112 emergency service also dismissed online rumours that tractors were needed to help tackle the Orés wildfire, saying the claims were false.
The two blazes are part of what has become one of Spain's most severe wildfire seasons in recent years. Around 70,000 hectares have burned across the country so far this year, with authorities recording 18 major wildfires, almost three times the area affected during the same period in 2025.
Several other fires remain active. In the northern province of Huesca, firefighters continue to battle a blaze near the town of Plan, although its spread slowed overnight. Another wildfire near Fiscal has been largely stabilised.
In southern Spain, firefighters are also tackling blazes near Laujar de Andarax, in Almería province, and Purullena, in Granada province, with officials reporting favourable progress at the latter.
Elsewhere, residents evacuated from the village of Árchez in Málaga province have been allowed to return home after a nearby wildfire was stabilised. Authorities in the Madrid region have also brought a wildfire near Lozoyuela under control after it burned more than 700 hectares.
Sources: Euro News, Reuters, AP News, ITV, The Guardian
