Spain Wildfire Death Toll Rises to 13 as Almeria Blaze Stabilises

July 13, 2026

Madrid: The death toll from the devastating wildfire in Spain’s southeastern Almeria province has risen to 13, while regional authorities have announced that the blaze has been stabilised after days of intense firefighting. Although the fire is no longer advancing, emergency officials say it has not yet been fully brought under control, and investigations into its cause are ongoing.

Seven people injured in the wildfire remain hospitalised, including three in serious condition. Officials also confirmed that 10 people are still missing.

Thousands Return Home as Fire Stops Advancing

The wildfire broke out on Thursday near the municipality of Los Gallardos in Almeria, part of Spain’s southern Andalusia region. Since then, it has scorched approximately 7,000 hectares of land, making it one of the region’s worst wildfire disasters in recent years.

Following the stabilisation of the blaze, authorities lowered the emergency response level and allowed around 1,000 remaining evacuees to return to their homes. Earlier, approximately 600 residents had already been permitted to return.

According to Spain’s public broadcaster RTVE, many of the victims and those affected by the wildfire are foreign nationals.

Cause Under Investigation

Authorities are investigating the cause of the wildfire. The leading hypothesis is that the blaze may have started after the collapse of an electricity pole or power cable, though officials have not yet confirmed the exact origin.

Emergency crews continue to monitor the affected area to prevent flare-ups before the fire can be officially declared fully controlled and extinguished.

Regional Leader Warns of Climate Change Risks

Andalusian regional president Juanma Moreno said on Sunday that the wildfire had been successfully contained within its perimeter and was no longer spreading. However, he cautioned that firefighting efforts would continue until the blaze was completely extinguished.

Calling it the most serious wildfire in Andalusia’s recent history, Moreno urged governments and the public to take the impacts of climate change more seriously. He said changing climate conditions are contributing to larger and more destructive wildfires that are increasingly difficult to contain.

Authorities are continuing search operations for the missing and assessing the full extent of the damage caused by the disaster.