World

Almería wildfire: British couple found severely burned, 13 dead and 23 missing

Herz — World Desk · 13 July 2026 at 02:34 · 30s summary · 2 min read

The essentials

A forest fire in Spain's Almería province has claimed at least 13 lives and left 23 people missing since July 10, 2026, according to The Guardian. A British couple on holiday was found severely burned and semi-conscious in a ravine near Bédar, then airlifted to intensive care with burns covering 40% of their body. More than 6,000 hectares have been destroyed and 1,400 people evacuated. On July 12, Andalusia's regional government declared the fire contained.

At least 13 dead and 23 missing in Almería forest fire
British couple rescued with burns covering 40% of body
Over 6,000 hectares destroyed and 1,400 people evacuated
Fire declared contained July 12 by Andalusian regional government
Identified victims are mostly British and Belgian nationals

Watercolor and ink illustration of the wildfire devastating the hillsides of Almería province: orange flames, thick black smoke, and a rescue helicopter against a pale hazy sky. — Illustration image — Lost in the Jungle

What we know

On July 10, 2026, civil guard officers (Guardia Civil – a Spanish paramilitary police force) discovered a British couple on vacation, severely burned and semi-conscious, in a ravine near Bédar in Almería province. They were searching the area for survivors, according to The Guardian.

The couple had burns covering 40% of their body. After a two-hour rescue operation, they were airlifted by helicopter and admitted to intensive care.

The fire killed at least 13 people and destroyed over 6,000 hectares (14,800 acres). It is described as one of the deadliest in modern Spanish history.

At least 23 people are missing. The identified victims are mostly British and Belgian nationals, as well as one Spanish citizen. Medical examiners in Madrid are using DNA samples to identify the bodies.

At least 1,400 people were evacuated from their homes. Over 500 firefighters and emergency personnel were deployed.

Context

Juan Manuel Moreno Bonilla, president of Andalusia's regional government, described Almería province as a 'time bomb' for fires. He cited structural drought, violent winds, and repeated heat waves directly linked to the climate crisis.

Almería province is a major expatriate destination for British and Belgian nationals, which explains the international composition of identified victims.

time bomb
— Juan Manuel Moreno Bonilla, president of Andalusia's regional government, describing the risk of wildfires in Almería province

Timeline

Thursday, July 10, 2026
Civil guard officers searching the Bédar area discover a British couple severely burned and semi-conscious in a ravine.
Thursday, July 10, 2026 (hours later)
After a two-hour rescue operation, the couple is airlifted and admitted to intensive care.
Saturday, July 11, 2026 (afternoon)
A decrease in strong winds allows firefighters to begin controlling the flames.