A British woman has become the 13th person to die as a result of a wildfire that has been raging in the province of Almería in southeastern Spain, local officials have confirmed. The woman, whose identity has not been publicly released, was taken to hospital after suffering burns to approximately 20% of her body, according to the Andalusian government. She later succumbed to her injuries, marking a grim milestone in what has become one of the deadliest wildfire incidents in the region in recent years.
The wildfire, which began near the town of Los Gallardos, has been fuelled by high temperatures, strong winds, and dry vegetation typical of the summer season in southern Spain. Flames have approached major infrastructure, including the A7 highway, forcing its temporary closure and disrupting travel for thousands of motorists. Emergency services have been working around the clock to contain the blaze, with support from aerial firefighting units and ground crews deployed from across the Andalusia region.
The death toll has risen steadily since the fire broke out, with victims including both local residents and foreign nationals. The British woman is the first UK citizen confirmed among the fatalities. Spanish authorities have expressed their condolences to the families of all those affected and have urged the public to remain vigilant as the fire continues to pose a threat to several communities. Evacuation orders have been issued for multiple villages, and temporary shelters have been set up for displaced residents.
The Andalusian government has activated emergency protocols and is coordinating with national agencies to manage the crisis. Firefighters have managed to stabilise parts of the fire line, but officials warn that changing weather conditions could reignite the flames in previously controlled areas. The blaze has already scorched thousands of hectares of forest and agricultural land, raising concerns about long-term environmental damage and economic losses for local farmers.
This incident is part of a broader pattern of severe wildfires across the Mediterranean region this summer, driven by extreme heatwaves and prolonged drought conditions linked to climate change. Spain has experienced a particularly intense fire season, with multiple large blazes reported in Catalonia, Valencia, and Andalusia. The European Union has activated its Civil Protection Mechanism to assist affected member states, deploying firefighting aircraft and personnel to supplement national efforts.
Local authorities have launched an investigation into the cause of the Almería fire. While the exact origin remains unclear, preliminary reports suggest that human activity may have been a contributing factor, whether through negligence or deliberate action. Officials have reminded the public of the strict regulations regarding outdoor fires and barbecues during high-risk periods, and have called for increased awareness of fire prevention measures.
The death of the British woman has drawn attention to the dangers faced by tourists and expatriates living in fire-prone areas. The UK Foreign Office has confirmed that it is providing consular support to the woman's family and is in contact with Spanish authorities. Travel advice for British nationals in the affected regions has been updated, urging them to follow local instructions and avoid non-essential travel to areas where wildfires are active.
As the firefighting effort continues, the focus remains on protecting lives and property. The Andalusian government has announced that it will provide financial assistance to those who have lost their homes or livelihoods in the blaze. Meanwhile, meteorologists predict that the heatwave gripping the region is expected to persist for several more days, keeping the risk of new fires high. The community of Los Gallardos and surrounding areas are now bracing for a prolonged recovery process, as the full extent of the damage becomes clearer.
