Heatwave-fueled fire kills 12 people and leaves 23 missing in southern Spain

A fast-moving fire has devastated a remote expatriate community in the southern Spanish province of Almería, killing at least 12 people and leaving 23 others missing in one of the deadliest fires the country has seen in decades.

Emergency teams continue to search the devastated area amid fears that the death toll could rise.

The fire broke out late Thursday near the villages of Los Gallardos and Bédar, fueled by scorching temperatures, strong winds and exceptionally dry vegetation. Authorities said the fire spread with alarming speed, trapping residents and visitors before many could escape.

According to Andalusian emergency officials, many of the victims were found inside vehicles or on foot after attempting to flee through unofficial routes instead of following emergency instructions to shelter in place.

Authorities believe most of those killed were foreign nationals, including several alleged British residents who had settled in the popular expatriate community.

More than 150 firefighters, supported by 220 military personnel, helicopters and specialized firefighting aircraft, have been deployed to battle the inferno.

Difficult terrain, dense vegetation and shifting winds complicated efforts to contain the fire, while hundreds of residents were evacuated from nearby communities.

Investigators are examining the causes of the fire. Initial reports suggest it may have been triggered by a fallen power line, although utility officials disputed that assessment, saying the investigation is still ongoing. Authorities have not yet reached a definitive conclusion on the origin of the fire.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez expressed his condolences to the families of the victims, calling the tragedy heartbreaking. Regional officials called it the worst fire ever recorded in Andalusia, warning that the death toll could rise as search operations continue.

Emergency medical teams also treated several injured survivors, including people with severe burns. Temporary shelters have been opened for displaced people, while psychologists and humanitarian workers are providing assistance to families affected by the disaster.

The fire comes as much of southern Europe is experiencing an intense summer heatwave, with temperatures exceeding 40C (104F) in some parts of Spain.

Scientists have warned that prolonged drought, extreme heat and dry vegetation are creating ideal conditions for increasingly destructive wildfires across the Mediterranean region.

The tragedy has renewed debate about fire preparedness, emergency evacuation procedures and climate resilience. Experts say residents in fire-prone regions should follow official evacuation guidelines, as rapidly changing fire behavior can make alternative escape routes extremely dangerous.

While firefighters continue to work to bring the fire under control, authorities remain focused on locating the missing and preventing the fire from spreading to other communities.

The disaster is expected to rank among the most devastating fires in Spain’s modern history, highlighting the growing threat posed by increasingly severe summer fire seasons.