British Ambassador Visits Almeria Fire Victims

British Ambassador to Spain Alex Ellis visited Almeria yesterday to meet local British nationals and hear first-hand about the impact the recent wildfires have had on communities across the province.

Spanish authorities have completed the identification of all 13 people killed in the wildfire that ravaged over 7,000 hectares.

The blaze, which erupted last Thursday left eight women and five men dead, all adults.

Among the deceased are five British citizens, three Belgians, one Spaniard, and one French woman.

The fire, which at its peak advanced at speeds of up to 100 kilometers per hour, was declared under control by Monday afternoon.

As well as meeting emergency and regional response staff and leaders, Sir Alex expressed his condolences to all those affected by the tragedy and outlined the support available through the British Embassy’s consular services.

The Ambassador met members of the local British community and listened to their experiences in the aftermath of the devastating fires. He reiterated the Embassy’s commitment to supporting British nationals and their families and praised the efforts of emergency responders, local authorities and volunteers working to assist affected communities.

The Ambassador said: “I have seen today the terrible consequences of the wildfires which have swept through Almeria and met local residents whose lives have been so tragically impacted. The British Embassy is supporting British nationals and their families, and I would like to thank the emergency services, local authorities and our consular team for everything they are doing during this incredibly difficult time.”

Throughout the response to the wildfires, the Embassy’s consular team has been supporting British nationals and their families and remains in close contact with the Spanish authorities.

Spain has in recent years experienced increasingly long and frequent heatwaves, with temperatures often exceeding 40C in July and August, creating perfect conditions for wildfires.

In 2025, more than 393,000 hectares were destroyed by fire, according to the European Forest Fire Information System, the most in the country’s recent history.