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Hundreds of soldiers and firefighters have been battling to control the flames, as ITV News’ Sejal Karia reports
Four British people are thought to have died in a Spanish wildfire, after four bodies were found in a burnt-out car which had its steering wheel on the right.
Antonio Sanz, Andalusia’s health and emergencies minister, said the people inside the car were believed to be “of British origin”.
They were among at least 12 people who perished in the fire, authorities said on Friday.
The blaze, one of Spain’s deadliest wildfires, broke out late Thursday in a semi-arid area near the Sierra de Los Filabres mountains in Almeria province, as the country has been dealing with soaring temperatures.
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The bodies were found near the village of Bédar, and authorities believe the other seven victims were also foreign tourists.
They were thought to have attempted to escape on foot after apparently abandoning their vehicles and trying to flee through rugged terrain.
Sanz said: “The decision to take another route instead of the designated evacuation route became a fatal trap.”
He said the victims had sought “their own way out” through a dry riverbed rather than following the route co-ordinated by emergency services.
Four British people are thought to have died in a Spanish wildfire. Credit: PA
Sanz offered his condolences to the families, adding: “There are no words for so much pain.”
He said there were 12 dead, four seriously injured and eight others with less serious injuries.
Formal identification of the deceased has yet to be carried out, he added.
Sanz said 122 people were evacuated and more than 3,000 hectares burnt, with the fire still active.
He said: “The fire has been very fast, and evidently the consequences have been terrible.”
Dean Taylor, a resident who divides his time between Spain and the UK, said he managed to just barely escape the neighbourhood by using back roads to get out.
He said: “It was quite terrifying.
“It’s a very sad day, isn’t it? It’s devastating, really.”
Moreno, the Andalusian regional leader, said containing the fire was difficult because of the steep, dry terrain.
He said: “It consists mainly of scrubland and esparto grass.
“Everything is extremely dry due to the heat waves, making it the perfect fuel; combined with the wind, it’s a ticking time bomb.”
Several victims of the fire in Almeria were found inside burned-out vehicles, local media reported. Credit: AP
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez expressed his condolences.
He wrote on X: “Immense sadness and desolation in the face of the terrible consequences of the fire affecting the province of Almeria.”
Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper wrote on X: “Saddened by the devastating wildfires in Almeria.
“My thoughts are with all those affected, including British nationals.
“We are in close contact with the Spanish authorities and stand ready to support those affected.
“Those in the area should continue to follow official advice.”
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