Wildfire in Southern Spain Kills 13 and Burns 7,000 Hectares Before Being Contained

A wildfire that erupted Thursday in the Gallardos area of Almeria province, Spain, has killed at least 13 people and burned approximately 7,000 hectares, Le Monde reported. The fast-moving fire trapped victims in vehicles or forced them to flee on foot, with most of the dead identified as foreigners.

Regional authorities in Andalusia said a 93-year-old British woman injured in the fire died in hospital on Sunday, bringing the death toll to 13.

The Civil Guard planned another search of the area that day to confirm no victims remained unaccounted for. Around 600 evacuees returned home late on Saturday, while about 1,000 others will return in stages, Juan Manuel Moreno, head of the regional government of Andalusia, told reporters.

The fire has been contained within its perimeter and brought under control, with no danger of flames spreading, he said.

Calmer winds and higher air humidity levels on Saturday allowed around 500 firefighters, supported by water-dropping aircraft, to attack the flames directly for the first time. Authorities suspect the fire began when a power line broke during an extreme heatwave that pushed temperatures above 40°C in recent weeks. Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez is scheduled to visit the area on Monday.