Spain wildfire near Almeria kills 11, triggers evacuations

A severe wildfire has engulfed the Los Gallardos area near Almería, killing at least 11 residents as of 10 July. The blaze, which has spread across a semi‑arid landscape adjacent to the Sierra de los Filabres, has forced the evacuation of nearby villages and prompted a large‑scale firefighting response from local and national authorities.

Firefighters, supported by aerial water drops and ground crews, are battling the flames while rescuers search for missing persons. The Spanish Civil Guard and the Ministry of the Interior have coordinated efforts to contain the fire and protect critical infrastructure. Preliminary investigations suggest that the combination of high temperatures, low humidity, and strong winds contributed to the rapid spread of the fire.

The incident has drawn attention to the growing risk of wildfires in southern Spain, where climate change has increased the frequency and intensity of such events. Authorities are reviewing emergency protocols and reinforcing community preparedness measures as the firefighting operation continues.