Spain wildfire: Firefighters gain ground as Almería evacuees return home

No Comment Video. Spain wildfire: Firefighters gain ground as Almería evacuees return home Copy/paste the link below: Copy/paste the article video embed link below: Updated: 12/07/2026 - 22:11 GMT+2 Firefighters gained the upper hand on the deadly Almería wildfire after days of battling the flames, as the blaze that killed 12 people and burned 66 square kilometres began to ease, allowing some of the nearly 1,500 evacuees to return home. The wildfire that devastated Almería province showed signs of easing by Sunday 12 July 2026, allowing firefighters to move from containment to direct operations against the remaining hotspots. ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT Civil Guard officers rescued a dog from a fire-damaged home while police maintained roadblocks near Bédar. Burnt-out vehicles and blackened hillsides bore witness to the scale of destruction around Almocaizar, where one of Spain's deadliest wildfires in recent years tore through the landscape. Regional president Juan Manuel Moreno said the blaze had been stabilised, paving the way for the phased return of around 1,500 evacuated residents. The fire, which broke out on 9 July near the Sierra de los Filabres, claimed at least 12 lives and burned approximately 66 square kilometres, an area roughly the size of Manhattan. Defence Minister Margarita Robles paid tribute to firefighters and local officials for their efforts throughout the emergency, while Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez is expected to visit the affected area on Monday. The disaster unfolded during western Europe's third heatwave in six weeks, as the continent continues to warm at around twice the global average rate, according to the Copernicus Climate Change Service. Spain Wildfires Almería Andalusia Heatwave evacuation Top stories Now playing Next Spain wildfire: Firefighters gain ground as Almería evacuees return home Now playing Next France: hundreds dive into the Seine for Paris’ first river race in 80 years Now playing Next Jude Bellingham double sends jubilant England into World Cup semis Now playing Next Latest news bulletin | July 12th, 2026 – Evening Now playing Next Israel to hold elections on 27 October with Netanyahu set to run again Now playing Next Haaland look-alike contest draws fans in Miami Now playing Next Argentina fans erupt as Messi's men reach World Cup semifinal Now playing Next Trump threatens to 'decimate' Iran, a day after saying talks back on Now playing Next Ukrainian drones hit southern Russian refineries and Azov port Now playing Next After oat milk, Europe turns to pea milk: the Greek scientist leading the way Now playing Next This Croatian island has a centuries-old way to beat the summer heat Now playing Next How NATO leaders reacted to Erdoğan's elaborate firearm gift Now playing Next 'Coalition of the Willing' leaders to meet in Paris ahead of Bastille Day parade Now playing Next Evacuees allowed to return home after deadly Spain wildfire stabilises Now playing Next From space rovers to hunger maps: How AI is reshaping humanitarian aid Now playing Next Ex-Spanish PM Rajoy: French World Cup team is playing 'without Frenchmen' ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT No Comment War in Ukraine: Kyiv hit by Russian ballistic missiles and drone swarm, 10 injured No Comment Spain fans celebrate World Cup semi-final place after Belgium win No Comment Spain: Nine injured in fourth San Fermín bull run in Pamplona No Comment Spain wildfire near Almeria kills 11 and sparks major evacuations USA US Senator Lindsey Graham dies after 'brief and sudden illness' Qatar Former Qatar ruler Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani dies aged 74 Qatar Iran attacks Gulf states to impose its Hormuz battle lines Europe News Moldova's president nominates pro-European businessman Vasile Tofan for prime minister Sport South Africa World Cup footballer Jayden Adams dies aged 25 Europe News Eiffel Tower and other Paris landmarks to close early as another heatwave sweeps France Tech News Apple sues OpenAI over alleged theft of trade secrets - here's what to know USA Trump threatens to 'completely decimate' Iran, a day after claiming talks to take place ADVERTISEMENT Europe News Russian missile strikes on Kyiv injure at least 11 Lifestyle Famed Belgian fashion designer Martin Margiela auctions off personal archives Sport Spain score late winner to beat Belgium and set up clash with France Health news After oat milk, Europe turns to pea milk: the Greek scientist leading the way World News Japanese school teaches children how to stay safe around wild bears Europe News Ukrainian drone strikes hit southern Russian refineries and Azov port, officials say World News China achieves first-ever controlled rocket booster recovery The Europe Conversation Exclusive: ‘More grids, more electricity, less fossil fuels,’ energy leaders tell Euronews ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT