British nationals, including a 93-year-old woman, have died in the devastating wildfires that swept through southern Spain last week, police have confirmed.
Seven British people were among the 13 casualties confirmed by the Guardia Civil in Almeria. Three people from Belgium and one from each of the United States, France, and Spain also died in the wildfires, authorities said.
Spanish officials said a 93-year-old British woman was taken to hospital on Friday after suffering burns to about 20% of her body and her death was confirmed on Sunday afternoon. Another four British victims were found after their bodies were found in a burnt-out car.
It was also reported that two British hikers had been found alive but are thought to have suffered 40% burns. A Foreign Office spokesman said: “Our thoughts are with all those impacted by the devastating wildfires in Spain. We are supporting British nationals affected and their families and remain in close contact with the Spanish authorities.”
Sergeant Pedro Barre told the broadcaster: “That experience we accumulate over the years is what tells you: take another look, give it one last try, check again just in case.”
Juanma Morena, president of the regional Government of Andalusia, confirmed that the fire has been contained and its perimeter secured on Sunday afternoon. More than 1,000 residents have since been given the all-clear to the evacuated villages north of Los Gallardos.
Spain has suffered frequent and severe heatwaves in recent years, with temperatures often exceeding 40C. In June, Spain experienced several days of record-setting heat, with more than 1,000 excess deaths attributed to heat.
The wildfires that ripped through southeastern Spain were caused by heatwaves that reached around 40C. The extreme weather, combined with dry ground and strong winds, quickly spread blazes through Los Gallardos.
