TRIBUTES have poured in after a devastating wildfire tore through Andalucia on Friday, killing at least 11 people and injuring eight more – four of them critically.
Four of the victims are believed to have been British nationals, while one has been confirmed as Spanish and the remaining six are thought to be foreign residents or tourists.
A total of 23 people remain missing as hundreds of firefighters continue battling the blaze in Los Gallardos, Almeria province.
The wildfire has been the deadliest in Andalucia since records began, drawing heartfelt condolences from across the political spectrum.
Los Gallardos mayor Francisco Miguel Reyes, of the right-wing Partido Popular (PP), said: “It looks as if a bomb has fallen.
“The fire is still not under control and the wind is not helping. We hope it can be brought under control throughout the day.
“There has been extensive material damage, but that can be repaired; lives cannot.”
Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez is reported to have spoken by phone with Andalucia president Juanma Moreno shortly after 11am, offering the central government’s ‘utmost cooperation’ and saying it would provide ‘anything’ the region needs.
Around 200 soldiers from the national Military Emergency Unit (UME) have since been deployed to support local firefighters, alongside around 40 vehicles.
Sanchez, of the left-wing PSOE party, had earlier said: “Immense sadness and desolation in the face of the terrible consequences of the fire affecting the province of Almeria.
“I want to convey my condolences to the families of those who died in the Los Gallardos forest fire.
“My wishes for a speedy recovery to the injured and my solidarity with all affected residents.”
His remarks were echoed by PP regional leader Moreno, who expressed his condolences earlier this morning when the death toll stood at six.
He said: “With heavy hearts and broken with grief, we extend our deepest condolences to the families of the six people who died in the Los Gallardos fire, along with our support and affection for all the municipalities affected by the blaze.
“A tragedy. We are devastated by this terrible news.”
Regional PSOE leader Maria Jesus Montero also joined the tributes, thanking personnel from the regional INFOCA firefighting unit for their efforts in tackling the blaze.
“We are completely shocked. I want to send all my love, support and deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of the victims in what is the greatest wildfire tragedy ever recorded in our region,” she said.
“My recognition and gratitude go to the INFOCA teams, emergency services, firefighters, the UME, the security forces and all those who continue working tirelessly on the Los Gallardos fire to protect lives and fight the flames.”
The wildfire remains active, with hundreds of emergency personnel, aircraft and military units continuing efforts to bring the blaze under control.
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