Spain has been enduring extreme heat, creating tinderbox conditions that allow wildfires to spread rapidly. The blaze that erupted on Thursday in the southern province of Almería has already killed at least 12 people, making it the second deadliest wildfire in the country in terms of loss of life. Around 800 residents were evacuated from the municipality of Bédar and nearby hamlets.
Antonio Sanz, Andalusia’s minister for emergencies, told reporters that the majority of the victims appeared to be foreign nationals. “Everything indicates that the deceased are, mostly or entirely, foreign nationals,” he said. According to officials, the victims strayed from designated evacuation routes and sought an alternative exit via a river, a decision that turned into “a trap” when the fire overtook them. Read more about the victims' route.
If a fire catches you outdoors
The first rule is not to run blindly. Move away from the fire front along the sides, against the direction of the wind, and if the terrain allows, seek shelter in an area that has already burned. In such zones, the fuel has disappeared and the fire cannot reignite. Avoid ravines, slopes, and narrow valleys, because hot air rises and fire climbs much faster than on flat ground. If you have a handkerchief, wet it and cover your nose and mouth to filter smoke; breathe close to the ground in short breaths. One piece of advice that often surprises people: never take refuge in wells or caves, because oxygen can run out sooner than you think.
If you are caught by fire inside your vehicle
Many assume a car is a death trap in a wildfire, but it does not have to be if you keep a cool head. First, look for a stretch with no vegetation or that has already burned and stop there—never in the middle of a road shrouded in dense smoke. Then close doors and windows, switch off the ventilation so smoke cannot enter, and turn on the lights so rescue teams can locate the vehicle. Running out of the car without a plan is one of the riskiest decisions you can make: outside it is hotter and you can easily become disoriented. If you encounter a fire while driving, never accelerate towards the flames and smoke. Visibility can drop to almost zero, and you may crash into something you cannot see. In that situation, it is best to turn round and go back the way you came, as long as you can do so safely.
If you receive a warning when you are at home
When flames threaten a home and evacuation is ordered, take only essentials: documents, medication, water, and your mobile phone. Close doors and windows before leaving if time allows. Crucially, use only the routes indicated by the emergency services—never a forest track or shortcut of your own choosing. Uncoordinated secondary roads are where some of the most tragic situations in Almería have occurred, as the speed of the fire trapped groups fleeing on their own initiative. Details on the Almería wildfire.
If your clothes catch fire
If your clothes catch fire, avoid running, as movement can intensify the flames. Instead, lie down on the ground and roll over until the fire is out, or cover yourself with a blanket to smother the flames. Once the fire is extinguished, do not try to remove burnt clothing, as it may be stuck to the skin. If you find someone with burns and the surroundings are safe, keep them lying on their side and do not remove garments affected by the fire. The priority is to call emergency services immediately and wait for medical care.
These guidelines, repeatedly stressed by Civil Protection, the Military Emergency Unit (UME), and rescue services, can make the difference between life and death. As southern Europe faces increasingly intense wildfire seasons, knowing what to do is more important than ever. Spain's broader energy challenges also remain in focus as the continent adapts to a hotter climate.
