One month after the tragedy that shocked Andalusia, families affected by the forest fire in Los Gallardos, Almería, are demanding psychological support and assistance. The fire, which began on July 9th, became one of the most significant recent disasters in Spain, claiming the lives of 14 people and devastating 5,200 hectares of land, impacting homes and local wildlife.
Initial investigations suggest the fall of an electrical cable as the potential cause of the fire, which started around 4:25 PM in a roadside ditch in the municipality. Emergency services were quickly mobilized after the first alert was received.
The flames rapidly spread, also affecting the municipal areas of Bédar, Lubrín, Antas, and Sorbas. Of the 14 fatalities, 13 were confirmed in the initial reports, while the last victim died days later due to severe burns. Only one victim was Spanish; the rest were from the United Kingdom, Belgium, the United States, and France. According to the Junta de Andalucía, the victims were found in two groups, having attempted to flee by road despite authorities' warnings.
Affected residents have formed a platform to demand answers regarding the effectiveness of emergency services, local prevention plans, and the decision not to use the ES-Alert system. Their aim is to seek solutions and improvements in protocols.
The central Government has declared the area as severely affected by a civil protection emergency, which will enable the activation of aid to cover personal damages, homes, belongings, and certain industrial and agricultural establishments.
The judicial investigation continues to determine the exact causes and spread of the fire. The Court of Instance of Vera has offered legal actions to the victims' families, who may join the proceedings. The Levante almeriense now faces a period of recovery and reconstruction, while prevention and emergency communication protocols are being analyzed.
