Wildfire in Almería, Spain, Shows Signs of Easing After Devastating Blaze

Firefighters in Almería, Spain, have shifted from containment to direct operations against remaining hotspots as the wildfire that ravaged the region showed signs of easing by 12 July 2026, according to regional authorities. The blaze, which broke out on 9 July near the Sierra de los Filabres, has claimed at least 12 lives and burned approximately 66 square kilometers, an area comparable to Manhattan, officials confirmed.

Rescue Efforts and Evacuation Plans

Civil Guard officers rescued a dog from a fire-damaged home in Bédar, while police maintained roadblocks to manage access to affected areas. Burnt-out vehicles and blackened hillsides highlighted the destruction in Almocaizar, one of the hardest-hit regions. Regional President Juan Manuel Moreno announced that the fire had been stabilized, allowing for the phased return of around 1,500 evacuated residents.

Government Response and Climate Context

Defense Minister Margarita Robles praised firefighters and local officials for their efforts during the emergency. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez is set to visit the affected area on Monday to assess the damage. The disaster occurred amid western Europe’s third heatwave in six weeks, with the Copernicus Climate Change Service reporting that the continent is warming at twice the global average rate.

Impact and Ongoing Challenges

The wildfire has left a lasting mark on Almería, with communities grappling with loss and recovery. Local authorities emphasized the need for continued vigilance as efforts focus on extinguishing remaining hotspots.