A British couple was discovered severely burned and semi-conscious in the province of Almeria, Spain, as wildfires raged across the region, emergency services confirmed.
Discovery and rescue
The couple, whose identities have not been released, were found by firefighters on Tuesday afternoon near the town of Nijar, a popular tourist area. They had suffered serious burns and were in a state of semi-consciousness. Emergency responders provided immediate medical treatment before airlifting them to a hospital in Murcia.
According to a spokesperson for the Andalusian emergency services, the pair were located in a rural area that had been overtaken by flames. The cause of their injuries is under investigation, but authorities suspect they were caught unaware by the rapidly spreading fire.
Wildfire conditions
The wildfires in Almeria have been fueled by extreme heat and dry conditions, with temperatures exceeding 40°C (104°F) in recent days. More than 500 firefighters, supported by water-dropping aircraft, have been battling the blazes, which have already destroyed over 3,000 hectares of land.
Local officials have urged residents and tourists to evacuate affected areas and follow safety instructions. The Spanish government has deployed additional resources to combat the fires, which are among the worst in the region this year.
Impact on the couple
The condition of the British couple remains critical, with medical staff at the hospital in Murcia providing specialized care for burn victims. A hospital spokesperson stated that the patients are stable but require intensive treatment. The British embassy in Madrid has been informed and is offering consular assistance to the family.
This incident highlights the dangers posed by wildfires, which have become increasingly common in southern Europe due to climate change. Spain has experienced a 40% increase in wildfire incidents compared to the same period last year, according to the country's environmental agency.
