Residents evacuated by the devastating wildfire in Spain’s southeastern province of Almería have begun returning to their homes after firefighters made significant progress in containing the blaze that has claimed at least 12 lives.
Emergency authorities said improved weather conditions, including lighter winds and higher humidity, enabled firefighting teams to move from defensive operations to actively attacking the fire. The change allowed officials to lift evacuation orders for hundreds of residents displaced from communities near Bédar and Los Gallardos.
More than 500 firefighters, supported by aircraft and military emergency units, continued working to secure the fire perimeter and extinguish remaining hotspots. Officials cautioned that the operation was not yet over, warning that changing weather conditions could still complicate containment efforts.
Authorities said approximately 1,400 people had been forced to leave their homes when the fast-moving fire swept through the area earlier in the week. By Sunday, many evacuees were allowed to return after emergency crews declared several affected zones safe.
The wildfire, one of Spain’s deadliest in recent years, has burned thousands of hectares of land while destroying homes, vehicles and other property. Search teams and forensic specialists are continuing efforts to identify victims and account for those still reported missing.
Speaking in Almería, regional emergency officials said the priority remained protecting lives and ensuring the fire was fully brought under control before all restrictions were lifted.
“The situation has improved significantly, but our work is not finished.”
Authorities also urged returning residents to remain cautious and comply with instructions from emergency services as firefighters continued operations in surrounding areas.
“People should follow official guidance and avoid entering areas that remain unsafe.”
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez is expected to visit the disaster zone to assess the damage and meet emergency personnel involved in the response. Investigators are also continuing efforts to determine the cause of the wildfire, although officials have not yet reached a final conclusion.
The disaster has once again highlighted the growing threat of extreme wildfires across southern Europe, where prolonged heatwaves, dry vegetation and strong winds have increased the frequency and intensity of major fires. Climate experts warn that such conditions are becoming more common, placing greater pressure on emergency services and vulnerable communities.
