Search operations in areas affected by the Los Gallardos wildfire concluded on Sunday without finding more victims. Authorities confirmed the death of a 93-year-old British woman in hospital, raising the total to 13 fatalities. Evacuees began returning home after the fire was stabilized.
On Sunday 12 July, teams from the Guardia Civil, UME and Protección Civil conducted a final sweep of the areas between Bédar and Los Gallardos. No new bodies were found, although at least eight people remain unaccounted for.
The fire, declared on Thursday afternoon in Almocaízar, has burned 7,000 hectares and is considered controlled. Andalusian regional president Juan Manuel Moreno authorised the phased return of evacuees.
A 93-year-old British woman died in Hospital Universitario Torrecárdenas, bringing the death toll to 13. Several victims are foreign residents in the area.
Bédar mayor Ángel Collado went door to door on Thursday to alert neighbours. Identification of the bodies requires DNA tests due to the condition of the remains.
