In brief
The wildfires that scorched Almería province on Thursday have claimed 13 lives, with seven Britons among the victims. The tragedy, which burned roughly 7,000 hectares and forced 1,500 residents to evacuate, involved civilians from Britain, Belgium, France, the United States and Spain. Survivors, including a local farmer who escaped in a car, described the frantic chaos that led to the loss of life.
The deadly blaze that swept through Almería province in southern Spain on Thursday resulted in 13 confirmed deaths, according to Spanish authorities. Seven of the victims were British nationals, with the remaining eight coming from Belgium, France, the United States and one from Spain.
Among the British casualties were Pete and Fran Gillam, a married couple who lived in the village of Bédar, the epicenter of the fires. Their daughter, Danielle Gillam‑Kirton, expressed her grief on social media when her family was informed that her parents did not survive the flames.
Spanning roughly 7,000 hectares (about 17,300 acres), the fires consumed extensive portions of the province, resulting in the evacuation of around 1,500 people. Firefighters camped overnight, working tirelessly to contain the rapidly spreading inferno.
A noteworthy survivor is Malcolm Timbrell, a 70‑year‑old farmer from Bédar. He recounted how he escaped by hiding in a damaged vehicle, which managed to survive while the others around him met with tragedy. His story underscores the perilous conditions many faced during the emergency.
Spanish officials have confirmed that all 13 victims were adults, comprising eight women and five men. The situation remains a stark reminder of the increasing frequency and intensity of wildfires, which recent heatwaves have been exacerbating across the region.
Firefighting crews have declared the blaze now contained, although the damage to the landscape and the loss of life leave enduring scars for the local communities and the international families affected.
