The Los Gallardos wildfire in Almería, the deadliest in Andalusia’s history, has been stabilized. After three days of intense firefighting, all evacuees are set to return home as authorities confirm the perimeter is secure.
The wildfire that swept through Los Gallardos in Almería has been brought under control after burning 7,000 hectares and claiming twelve lives, marking the most devastating fire in Andalusia’s history. Authorities confirmed on Sunday that the perimeter is now secure, allowing the phased return of more than 1,500 evacuated residents to their homes. The operation, led by the Junta de Andalucía and coordinated from the advanced command post in Turre, involved nearly 500 emergency personnel and up to 30 aircraft over three days of relentless effort.
Key progress was made late Saturday when a drop in wind speed and a rise in humidity shifted the battle from defense to offense. This change enabled firefighters to contain the flames, which at their peak advanced at a record pace for the region. By Sunday, the situation had improved enough for the remaining evacuees—about 1,000 people—to begin returning, joining the 600 who had already gone back the previous day. The return is being managed in stages, with authorities emphasizing strict adherence to emergency service instructions for safety.
President Juanma Moreno of the Junta de Andalucía described the event as a turning point, noting the exceptional speed at which the fire spread and the scale of the response required. The perimeter now stretches 40 kilometers, and the positive trend has allowed for a gradual reduction in deployed resources. The Military Emergency Unit (UME) is set to conclude its involvement, leaving around 90 personnel on site to monitor and secure the area. Specialized Guardia Civil teams, supported by canine units, are completing final searches for additional victims, as eight people remain officially missing and identification of the deceased continues.
Moreno also warned that the wildfire risk remains high, with much of the summer still ahead and an average of 22 fire outbreaks reported daily across Andalusia. He called for heightened vigilance, stressing that the region faces a challenging season. The scale and rapid progression of the Los Gallardos fire have drawn comparisons to other major incidents in Spain, underscoring the persistent threat posed by extreme weather and dry conditions.
This tragedy follows a pattern of fast-moving wildfires in the region. As previously reported, a similar incident in Los Gallardos led to multiple fatalities when residents attempted to escape via a dead-end route, highlighting the dangers of rapid evacuations and the importance of following official guidance. For more on the circumstances surrounding those events, see the detailed coverage at this report on the Almería wildfire fatalities.
Wildfires remain a recurring hazard in Spain, particularly in the southern provinces where prolonged heat and drought create ideal conditions for rapid fire spread. The Los Gallardos incident has prompted renewed calls for public awareness and preparedness, as well as ongoing investment in emergency response capabilities. With the summer season far from over, authorities continue to monitor conditions closely and urge residents to remain alert to fire risks.
