A wildfire that ignited late on July 9, 2026 near the town of Los Gallardos in the Sierra de Los Filabres mountains of Almería province has become one of the deadliest wildfires in Spain's recent history, killing at least 12 people and leaving 23 others missing as an extreme Mediterranean heatwave fanned flames through tinder-dry scrubland.
Regional emergency officials said most of the victims died after ignoring shelter-in-place instructions and attempting to flee on foot or by car; several were caught when a dry riverbed they used as an escape route turned into what officials called a "death trap." Many of those killed are believed to be foreign nationals living in the area's remote expat community, with four thought to be British citizens based on the right-hand-drive vehicle in which they were found. Eight people were injured, and the fire has burned more than 3,200 hectares (7,900 acres) of forest and farmland.
Approximately 150 firefighters and 220 soldiers from Spain's Military Emergencies Unit are battling the blaze, which remained active as of Friday afternoon. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez offered condolences over the fire's "terrible consequences." The tragedy comes as multiple wildfires burn simultaneously across Spain, Portugal and Greece amid a prolonged summer heatwave, adding to a season that has already seen major fires in Catalonia's Costa Brava region.
Humanitarian organizations are mobilizing to support survivors and search efforts. The American Red Cross is coordinating with the Spanish Red Cross to provide shelter, first aid, and psychosocial support to affected residents, while Direct Relief is preparing medical supplies for the injured and responders on the ground.
To support relief efforts in Almería, donate through the Almería Wildfire disaster page or visit our Relief Directory to find more organizations responding across southern Europe.
