Andalusia wildfire kills at least 12 as Spain awaits victim identification

Saturday 11 July 2026 - 10:00

By: Sahili Aya

Andalusia wildfire kills at least 12 as Spain awaits victim identification

A fast-moving wildfire in Andalusia, southern Spain, has killed at least 12 people, with authorities confirming that the victims are of several nationalities as emergency crews continue battling the blaze.

Officials are awaiting the results of forensic examinations before releasing further details about the victims and determining whether the death toll could rise.

The fire broke out near Los Gallardos, an area that is home to a significant international community, including many British residents.

Authorities urge caution over missing persons reports

Spanish Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska, who visited the affected area on Friday, called for caution regarding reports that 23 people may still be unaccounted for.

He explained that the figure is based largely on witness accounts and telephone calls received from various locations rather than confirmed disappearance reports.

According to the minister, only three official missing-person reports had been formally filed at the time of his visit.

Authorities expect the first autopsy results to provide greater clarity regarding the identities of the victims and the overall impact of the disaster.

Victims caught while trying to escape

Emergency officials said those who lost their lives were either trapped inside their vehicles or overtaken by the rapidly spreading flames while attempting to flee the wildfire.

Firefighters remain engaged in efforts to contain the blaze, while rescue teams continue searching affected areas for possible survivors and assessing damage.

The wildfire has once again highlighted the growing threat posed by increasingly severe fire seasons across southern Europe, where prolonged heat and dry conditions continue to fuel large-scale forest fires.