A British couple were discovered semi-conscious and badly burned, with about 40% of their bodies affected, after being trapped in wildfires that swept through Spain's Almeria province on Thursday, July 9th, 2026, local media reported. The pair, believed to have been hiking when caught in the blaze, were found down a ravine and evacuated to hospital where they remain in intensive care.
The wildfire, now contained, burned approximately 7,000 hectares (17,300 acres) and resulted in 12 fatalities, including four individuals believed to be Britons, according to authorities. Nearly 1,500 people were evacuated from the affected zone, with about 600 allowed to return, regional emergency chief Antonio Sanz said.
Rescuers, including Sergeant Pedro Barre, reported hearing distant cries for help, leading to the couple's discovery. Officer Rafael Zea described the couple's ability to call out for help despite their condition as "a titanic effort."
The couple expressed hope that their home survived the fire, noting that smoke was on the opposite side of the mountain as they fled. They were granted a one-hour window on Sunday, July 12th, 2026, to check on their property.
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