A devastating wildfire in the Los Gallardos municipality of Almería has killed at least 11 people and injured eight others on Friday, July 10, 2026.
Strong winds continue to spread the flames, prompting urgent door-to-door evacuations in nearby towns.
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Four of the injured individuals sustained severe trauma and were airlifted by helicopter to the Virgen del Rocío Hospital in Seville.
The Consorcio de Extinción de Incendios y Salvamento del Levante Almeriense has established a command center outside Turre to coordinate the ongoing emergency response while the blaze remains uncontained.
Mayors Describe Rapid Fire Spread
Bédar Mayor Ángel Collado Fernández stated that local officials rushed to evacuate residents directly from their homes to ensure safety before the flames reached the village.
"No podíamos esperar esta tragedia," stated Collado Fernández, expressing deep emotion while thanking neighboring communities for their swift solidarity during the crisis.
The mayor explained that municipal workers faced difficulties as some residents hesitated to leave their properties despite the imminent danger.
"Actuamos desde el primer momento avisando puerta por puerta a los vecinos y, algunos, como suele pasar en estos casos, no querían abandonar sus casas," added Collado Fernández.
He recounted observing the blaze from a vantage point in the municipality, noting how rapidly the fire front expanded across the terrain.
"La lengua de fuego se desplazó con muchísima rapidez," remarked Collado Fernández.
As the fire advanced violently, the mayor mobilized all municipal councilors to systematically alert every household to prepare for an immediate departure.
