13 Killed in Spain Wildfires: Seven British Nationals Among Victims
A total of 13 people have been confirmed dead in the wildfires that have swept through the Almería province in southeastern Spain, officials have announced. Seven of the victims were from the United Kingdom, three from Belgium, one from France, one from the United States, and one was a Spanish citizen, according to the public body responsible for victim identification.
The victims included eight women and five men, all adults. Among the British nationals were Pete and Fran Gillam, a couple who lived in the village of Bédar, which was particularly badly affected. Their daughter, Danielle Gillam-Kirton, confirmed their deaths in a social media post, stating the family was 'heartbroken.'
Nearly 1,500 people were evacuated from the area as firefighters worked to contain the blaze. One survivor, 70-year-old British national Malcolm Timbrell, who also lived in Bédar, described taking refuge inside a car as the fire approached. His wife and friends are believed to be among the deceased. Temperatures in the region have exceeded 40°C in recent days, contributing to the severity of the fire.
The fire has now been contained after burning through approximately 7,000 hectares (17,300 acres) of land, according to authorities. The cause of the fire is under investigation.
