A wildfire raging near the city of Almería in southern Spain has claimed at least 11 lives as of July 10, 2026, according to local emergency services. The blaze, which started on July 9, has been fueled by high temperatures and strong winds, complicating firefighting efforts.
Regional authorities reported that the victims were found in several rural areas east of Almería, with some trapped in vehicles as they attempted to flee. Dozens of people have been evacuated from nearby villages, and over 500 firefighters are battling the flames with support from water-dropping aircraft.
The Spanish government has declared a state of emergency in the affected zone. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez expressed condolences on social media, stating, 'We mourn the loss of life and stand with all those affected by this tragedy.'
Investigations into the cause of the fire are ongoing, but officials suspect it may have been sparked by a combination of drought conditions and human activity. The region has experienced an unusually dry summer, with temperatures exceeding 40°C (104°F) in recent days.
