Deadly Almería Wildfire Stabilized, Evacuees Begin Returning Home

A devastating wildfire in southeastern Spain's Almería province has been stabilized as of Sunday, allowing the gradual return of thousands of evacuees. The fire has claimed 12 lives and left a trail of destruction across around 7,000 hectares (70 km²).

What happened

The fire started Thursday in the municipality of Los Gallardos and spread rapidly, fueled by dry conditions and winds, advancing at up to 100 meters per minute Source: Infobae. It trapped many victims, mostly foreign residents and tourists, who were trying to flee by car or on foot. Twelve people died, and the number of missing varies: regional authorities reported 23 missing, while the Central Data Center (CID) officially lists eight Source: Lavozar; Source: El Nacional.

The response

Firefighters and emergency services worked through the weekend, and by Saturday night, improved humidity and lighter winds created a "window of opportunity" Source: Infobae. President of Andalusia Juan Manuel Moreno Bonilla announced the fire was stabilized on Sunday, calling it "the beginning of the end" Source: Clarin. All 1,400–1,500 evacuees can now return home progressively Source: Excelsior. The Guardia Civil continues searching for any additional victims and has detained two people for ignoring evacuation orders Source: Infobae.

What's next

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez is scheduled to visit the area on Monday Source: Excelsior. Authorities are working to identify the deceased using DNA samples, complicated by victims’ foreign origins . The cause of the fire is under investigation, with initial reports suggesting a fallen high-voltage cable .