10/07/2026 09:24 - Internacionales
According to reports by Infobae, a devastating forest fire broke out on the afternoon of Thursday, July 9, 2026 in the Almocáizar area, within the municipality of Los Gallardos (Almería). This beautiful province, located in the southeastern region of Andalusia, is known for its stunning coastline and desert landscapes, but it is also highly vulnerable to summer wildfires.
The regional Minister of the Presidency, Health, and Emergencies of the Junta de Andalucía (the autonomous regional government of Andalusia), Antonio Sanz, described the event as an unprecedented tragedy. The fire has surpassed the tragic 1992 Grazalema Natural Park fire in Cádiz, which previously held the grim record after claiming the lives of five forestry workers.
The provisional toll, reported on July 10, 2026, indicates that the flames have claimed the lives of 12 people, though this number might rise as the President of the Regional Government, Juanma Moreno, awaited confirmation of another body.
Victims were located in the Bédar district. Four British nationals were found inside their vehicle while trying to escape the fire, while seven others perished while walking in search of an exit. It is estimated that ten of the twelve victims were of foreign origin.
Additionally, 23 people remain missing, and 8 others were injured (four seriously with burns, and four with less severe injuries). Despite this sorrow, the bravery of the first responders shines as a beacon of hope for the community.
While official causes are still under investigation, early findings suggest the fire may have started due to a fallen power line that ignited the dry vegetation. Strong winds, with gusts up to 50 km/h, rapidly spread the flames to the surrounding forest.
The fire's perimeter is estimated at 3,150 burned hectares. The complex topography, filled with deep ravines (known locally as barrancos) where heavy machinery cannot enter, has made firefighting efforts incredibly difficult. A shift in the wind brought the fire dangerously close to the populated area of Barranco de Alfaix, leading to the rapid evacuation of 250 residents.
The rapid spread of the fire forced evacuations through improvised routes amidst dense smoke. The main road out of Bédar was blocked, redirecting evacuees toward Lubrín. Residents from Almocáizar, Fuente del Albarico, Los Pinos, La Serena, Pinar de Bédar, and the Miraflores tourist complex were safely evacuated.
To combat the blaze, authorities activated Level 2 of the Plan Infoca (Andalusia's specialized wildfire emergency plan) and deployed the Military Emergency Unit (UME), bringing 64 elite members, 12 fire engines, and support vehicles. Eleven aerial units also worked from dawn. Authorities urge the community to stay calm and follow official evacuation routes, trusting in the tireless work of the emergency teams to protect lives and property.
Alfredo S. Quiroga
