13 Dead, 23 Missing: Spain's Wildfire System "Not Ready" as Power Line Sparks Tragedy
At least 13 people have died and 23 remain missing after a wildfire in Spain's Almería province became the country's deadliest blaze in two decades, while firefighters warn the system meant to stop it is understaffed and broken.
A wildfire that started Thursday when a power line fell onto dry vegetation near Los Gallardos has killed at least 13 people, injured eight others, and forced the evacuation of over 1,400 residents [193341][194504]. The blaze, which has burned more than 7,000 hectares, has destroyed homes in Bédar and Alfaix and left burned cars on roads where victims tried to flee [193444][194464]. Four of the dead are believed to be British nationals [193699][194464]. A 93-year-old British woman died in intensive care, raising the death toll to 13 [194504].
The fire spread rapidly through dry vegetation fueled by a wet winter followed by a record-hot spring. Spain's spring of 2026 was the second hottest on record, and June temperatures were 3.2°C above normal with only 39% of usual rainfall [193447]. At its peak, the fire moved as fast as 100 meters per minute [194464]. Justice Minister Félix Bolaños blamed a "climate emergency" for the fire's intensity [194464].
Firefighters on the ground say the region's firefighting plan, called INFOCA, is not working. They report the force is operating at only 75% of its needed staff during the high-risk summer season [194506]. Labor unions say about 400 positions—10% of the workforce—are unfilled, and special rapid-response brigades started the season with empty positions [194506]. Firefighters also report equipment failures, including fire trucks with only one crew member, radio systems that fail in some areas, and no mobile phone coverage to replace them. Personal protective equipment is in short supply, with no service to clean gear exposed to cancer-causing smoke particles [194506].
The regional government of Andalusia says it is investing more than ever, with a 271.6 million euro INFOCA budget—60% higher than in 2018—and 4,700 staff, 43 aircraft, and over 100 fire trucks [194506]. But six different labor unions disagree, and firefighters warn the system is not ready for the hottest weeks of summer still ahead. "We told them," one firefighter said. "Now the fire has shown it" [194506].
Survivors described harrowing escapes. Jeffrey Kember said he drove through flames to help a neighbor: "I'm driving through the flames. It was actually flames. I thought, 'I can't stop, I just gotta go'" [194464]. Another survivor, Louise, said she and her family fled in two cars without enough gas: "We have not been able to find some of our friends. We fear the worst" [193444].
Authorities have stabilized the fire and begun the gradual return of evacuated residents, but eight people remain missing [194504]. The fire has burned an area about the size of Manhattan [194464].