Archive · 22 Jul 2026
Spanish Wildfire Victims Lacked Clear Warnings
A wildfire in Spain killed 13 people because many didn't get clear warnings or advice on what to do.
Some people were told to stay in their homes, but their homes burned down.
Others tried to leave but didn't know the best way to escape.
The authorities say they did their best, but critics say they should have used a special alert system to warn people.
Experts say that in the future, people need to know the risks and evacuation routes before a fire starts.
12 people died trying to escape a wildfire in Bedar and Paraje el Curato, Spain on July 9.
A 13th victim, a 93-year-old British woman, died in hospital of burns.
Many residents did not receive any official warnings or advice on what to do.
Authorities decided not to use an emergency alert system that sends alerts to mobile phones.
Only 42 out of 103 municipalities in Almeria had plans in place for emergencies, including wildfires.
- Who
- Residents of Bedar and Paraje el Curato, Spain
- What
- Wildfire that resulted in 13 deaths
- When
- July 9
- Where
- Bedar and Paraje el Curato, Spain
- Why
- Inadequate warnings and evacuation plans
Critics of Emergency Response
Authorities' Defense
Effectiveness of Warnings
Critics of Emergency Response
Critics argue that warnings were inadequate and came too late, with many victims not receiving any official communication.
Authorities' Defense
Authorities claim they provided advice through door-to-door visits and other means, but acknowledge the challenges of communicating during a fast-moving fire.
Use of Emergency Alert System
Critics of Emergency Response
Critics believe the emergency alert system should have been used to send targeted warnings to specific communities.
Authorities' Defense
Authorities decided not to use the system because it couldn't be tailored to specific communities, where some needed to evacuate and others were advised to stay.
- Date of Wildfire
- July 9
- Location
- Bedar and Paraje el Curato, Spain
- Number of Victims
- 13
- Emergency Alert System Used
- No
- Municipalities with Emergency Plans
- 42 out of 103 in Almeria
- Bedar's Emergency Plan Last Updated
- 2019