The flames of the fire in Los Gallardos leave 6,600 hectares affected and almost 1,500 people evacuated: aerial means join the extinction efforts

The forest fire declared in Los Gallardos (Almería), already considered one of the most serious recorded in Spain in recent years, keeps the province on edge after leaving a provisional toll of 12 dead, around 20 missing and 4 seriously injured.

In the early hours of Saturday, the extinction teams have again reinforced the aerial operation to try to contain a fire that remains active. The incorporation of helicopters and planes is being carried out progressively throughout the morning, with the forecast of reaching a total of eight aircraft working over the affected area.

Meanwhile, the emergency continues in operational situation 2 and the ground device remains deployed with more than a hundred professionals. 134 Infoca Plan personnel are participating in the work, supported by eight fire engines, heavy machinery, a specialized medical unit and meteorological monitoring and communications teams.

The authorities have indicated that the evolution of the flames during the early morning has been favorable within the extreme complexity of the fire. This improvement has allowed the A-7 highway to be completely reopened, after the fire forced traffic restrictions in several sections during the last hours.

ACTUALIZACIÓN Reabierta al tráfico la A-7 que permanecía cortada entre los kilómetros 709 y 714 sentido Almería por el #IFLosGallardos https://t.co/L2KUozeOLq

— EMA 112 (@E112Andalucia) July 11, 2026

Despite this, the situation remains delicate. The advance of the fire forced the expansion of preventive evacuations and there are already 1,405 people who have had to leave their homes in different neighborhoods and municipalities of the region.

Of that total, almost two hundred affected people remain housed in spaces set up for emergencies, including the Lubrín theater, the Garrucha sports pavilion, and a convent located in Antas, where vulnerable people such as minors, the elderly, or the sick are especially cared for.

🔴 #IFLosGallardos | UPDATE

⚠️ As a protective measure, about 80 people remain confined in El Pocico (Lubrín).

🏠 At the Vista Alegre shelter (Garrucha), the Family Care Center has been set up to provide support and information.

🚨 Always follow… pic.twitter.com/iT90B9Ms45

— EMA 112 (@E112Andalucia) July 10, 2026

In addition, authorities decreed the confinement of the population of Lubrín and recommended residents limit exposure to smoke, using respiratory protection due to the high concentration of particles generated by the fire.

Emergency teams maintain constant vigilance over the fire's perimeter, while continuing efforts to prevent reactivations and curb the spread of one of the biggest forest disasters experienced in Spain in recent times.