The Diplomat
The UK government has revised its travel advice for Spain following the wildfire in the municipality of Los Gallardos, in Almería, which broke out on Thursday and has claimed the lives of at least twelve people.
“Local authorities have reported a wildfire in Los Gallardos, Almería, in Andalusia,” the Foreign Office posted on its website on Friday. “If you are in an area affected by the wildfire: follow the instructions of local authorities and emergency services at all times, avoid travel to or through the affected area, and follow updates from the emergency services,” the statement, released by the UK Embassy in Madrid, advises.
“For emergencies, call 112,” and “if you are worried about someone in the area, call this helpline +34 677 904 624 provided by the Psychological Intervention Group for Emergencies and Disasters (GIPED). English-speaking staff are available,” it continues. “If you or a family member has been affected and needs consular assistance, call +34 917 146 300. If you are in the UK, call +44 (0)20 7008 5000,” it concludes.
According to the President of the Regional Government of Andalusia, Juan Manuel Moreno, at least twelve people have died, “most of them foreigners,” and 23 people are missing as a result of the fire, which “started in a ditch beside a road, apparently due to a broken cable at two electrical points,” and has “spread like wildfire.” In addition, there are four very seriously injured, another four less seriously injured with burns, and 600 evacuated.