Forest fire has already claimed 11 lives

The death toll from the Los Gallardos forest fire in Almería has risen to 11, with the confirmation of six more deaths in the fire zone, according to emergency management officials.



The Minister of the Presidency, Health, and Emergencies, Antonio Sanz, stated that this is "the most devastating fire to date in our region" and described the situation as an "unprecedented tragedy." He reiterated his condolences, and those of the entire regional government, to the families. "The pain is immense. Andalusia is in mourning, and our hearts go out to Almería and all those affected."



Currently, approximately 150 personnel are working on the deployed operation: 16 teams of forest firefighters, two operations technicians (TOP), two fire suppression technicians (TEX), one environmental agent (AMA), one deputy director of the Regional or Provincial Operations Center (COR/COP), four fire engines, one Forest Fire Medical Unit (UMIF), one Forest Fire Command Team (EMIF), and one unit from the Andalusian Regional Government's Emergency Network (REJA).



It should be noted that at 10:37 p.m. yesterday, Thursday, the regional minister raised the emergency plan to operational level 2, given the evolution and high potential of the fire that broke out this afternoon in the Almería municipality of Los Gallardos.



The Military Emergency Unit (UME) was also activated and deployed with 150 personnel to work alongside Infoca (the Andalusian Forest Fire Prevention and Extinction Service), firefighters, and the rest of the operational team.



At this time, residents of the Almocáizar, Fuente del Albarico, Los Pinos, and La Serena neighborhoods, as well as those in the Pinar area of the nearby town of Bédar, remain evacuated. A woman suffered burns and was taken to Torrecárdenas Hospital. Another person was treated for smoke inhalation and was also transported to the same hospital. Four other people received on-site treatment for respiratory problems and minor burns.



At the Performing Arts Center, a total of 54 people are receiving assistance from emergency personnel deployed on the ground.
 
Regarding the roads, the A-7 highway remains closed between kilometers 709 and 714, northbound, and the N-340A is closed near the fire.



EMA 1-1-2 has handled more than 150 calls from citizens alerting them to the fire. The first calls indicated that the flames were located at kilometer 511 of the N-340A highway. In these initial reports, callers indicated that a power line had fallen, causing a fire that had spread rapidly to the wooded area near the road. The emergency coordination center activated the Provincial Operations Center (COP) of Infoca (the Andalusian Forest Fire Prevention and Extinction Service), the fire department, the Civil Guard, the National Police Unit attached to the region, the Andalusian Emergency Group (GREA), and the power company.