12/07/2026
💔🔥 Los Gallardos / Bédar Wildfire Update
🕞 Updated: Sunday 12 July, 15:30
There is more welcome progress this afternoon, although this remains an incredibly sad and difficult situation for everyone affected by the devastating wildfire around Los Gallardos, Bédar, Lubrín, Antas and surrounding areas.
🌿 The Junta de Andalucía has confirmed that the wildfire is now stabilised. This means the fire is perimetered and contained within its established boundaries, but it does not mean it is fully controlled or extinguished.
The affected area is estimated at around 7,000 hectares, with a perimeter of approximately 40 kilometres.
✅ Authorities say there is no current danger of the fire spreading beyond its established perimeter. This is a very positive step, but emergency teams are still working to consolidate the perimeter, extinguish hotspots and prevent reactivations.
🚒 Around 90 INFOCA firefighters remain deployed to continue this work. The UME will also remain deployed for as long as necessary, after playing a major role in the emergency response.
🏡 Around 1,000 residents who were still evacuated are now being allowed to return home gradually, following instructions from the authorities. This follows the earlier return of more than 600 people to areas including Los Castaños, Almocáizar, Alfaix and Camping Los Gallardos, and the lifting of the confinement order in Lubrín.
📍 In Antas, residents from affected areas including Los Raimundos, El Pilarico and Cabezo María have also been advised that they may return, but with caution due to poor air quality. Residents should keep roads clear, remain alert and continue following official instructions.
⚠️ Even though this is a positive step, anyone returning home should do so carefully and only via authorised routes. Please do not enter restricted areas, rural tracks or fire-affected zones unless emergency services have confirmed it is safe.
🙏 Our thoughts remain very much with the families and friends of those who have lost their lives, those who have been injured, those still waiting for news of loved ones, and everyone who has been forced to leave their homes, animals and belongings behind.
🚒 We also want to recognise the extraordinary work of INFOCA, 112 Andalucía, Guardia Civil, Policía Local, firefighters, UME, medical teams, volunteers, town halls and everyone supporting displaced residents.
🚨 Please continue to follow official advice:
✅ Return only when authorised.
✅ Keep roads clear for emergency vehicles.
✅ Do not use rural tracks or back roads.
✅ Take care in areas with smoke or poor air quality.
✅ Keep children, elderly people, pets and anyone with breathing problems away from smoke.
✅ Watch for official updates from 112 Andalucía, INFOCA, Guardia Civil, Policía Local and your town hall.
💔 This has been a heartbreaking few days for Almería. Today’s update brings some relief, but the emergency teams still have work ahead, and many families and communities will be dealing with the impact of this tragedy for a long time.
Stay safe. ❤️
