British Couple Rescued After Being Badly Burned in Spain Wildfires as Death Toll Reaches 12

Hikers found semi-conscious in ravine as deadly blaze devastates Spain’s Almeria province

A British couple have been rescued after being found badly burned and semi-conscious in a ravine during the deadly wildfires that swept through Spain’s Almeria province.

The couple, believed to have been hiking when they became trapped by the rapidly spreading flames, were discovered by Civil Guard officers near the worst-hit village of Bédar.

They were taken to hospital and are receiving intensive care after suffering severe burns.

Dramatic rescue operation saves couple

The couple were found in the early hours of Friday morning after rescue officers searching the area heard distant cries for help.

Sergeant Pedro Barre, one of the officers involved, said the team decided to continue searching after hearing the faint sounds despite the difficult conditions.

The officers followed the voices down a hillside and discovered the couple in a critical condition.

Another rescuer, Rafael Zea, described their survival as remarkable, saying calling for help in such circumstances required enormous strength.

The couple reportedly suffered burns covering around 40% of their bodies.

Wildfires leave 12 people dead

The Almeria wildfire has claimed the lives of 12 people, with four believed to be British nationals, although authorities have not yet officially confirmed the identities of those killed.

The blaze destroyed approximately 7,000 hectares of land and forced nearly 1,500 people to evacuate their homes.

Firefighters eventually managed to contain the flames after weather conditions improved, allowing authorities to reduce the emergency alert level.

Around 600 evacuees were later allowed to return home, although many residents remained uncertain about whether their properties survived.

Residents question evacuation response

Some residents have raised concerns about how warnings and evacuation information were handled during the wildfire.

Emma Mitchell, who has lived in Bédar for three years, questioned why authorities did not send emergency mobile alerts to everyone in the affected area.

She said local firefighters and police officers worked extremely hard but believed more could have been done to warn residents earlier.

Others have also disputed claims that some victims ignored official evacuation advice.

Thomas-Wolf Verdonckt, whose father died in the fire, said his family received no clear warning before the flames reached the area.

He argued that many residents were forced to make difficult decisions because they were not aware of the danger until it was too late.

Heatwave fuels deadly European wildfires

The wildfire comes during a severe heatwave affecting parts of southern Europe, with temperatures reaching around 40C (104F).

Spain, Portugal and France have all experienced major fires this summer as extreme heat and dry conditions increase the risk of wildfires.

Climate experts have warned that rising global temperatures are contributing to longer heatwaves, increased pressure on water supplies and more intense fire seasons.

The Almeria blaze is now among the deadliest wildfires recorded in Spain’s history, highlighting the growing challenges posed by extreme weather events.