Family 'heartbroken' over British couple's wildfire deaths in Spain

Family 'heartbroken' over British couple's wildfire deaths in Spain

The family of a British couple who lived in Bédar, a village in Spain's Almeria province, have said they are heartbroken following confirmation that the couple perished in a series of devastating wildfires. Pete and Fran Gillam were among at least 13 people killed in the blaze, which began on Thursday, July 9, 2026.

Their daughter, Danielle Gillam-Kirton of Sheffield, announced the deaths via Facebook after the family had spent several days searching for her parents. Gillam-Kirton stated that her mother had sent a text message on the evening of the fire to say they were evacuating, but the couple had not been heard from since. She noted that subsequent calls and messages failed to reach either parent.

Tributes poured in on the Bédar Village People community Facebook page, where residents described the couple as lovely and noted the shock of the loss.

Casualties and Identification

The wildfire is among the deadliest in Spanish history. While some sources report 12 deaths, others state at least 13 people died, including a 93-year-old woman who passed away in a hospital on Sunday from her injuries. Spanish authorities believe five of the fatalities were British nationals. Three victims were from Belgium, one was from France, and one was a Spanish citizen.

Forensic scientists in Madrid are currently using genetic material from the deceased and DNA samples from relatives to identify the victims. The process has been slowed as family members travel from other countries to provide comparison samples. According to the Spanish forensics services data unit, 10 people remain missing, though other reports suggest the number could be as high as 23.

One casualty was a British man who reportedly died while on the phone with his wife during the evacuation. Penelope Howe, a resident near Bédar, told The Times that the man had rescued his cats and become trapped in his car, speaking with his wife for the final few minutes of his life.

Rescue Efforts and Survivors

Not all encountered the flames without survival. Simon Batchelor and Lisa Fryett, from Canvey in Essex, were discovered semi-conscious in a ravine by Civil Guard officers in the early hours of Friday, July 10. The couple, who are thought to have been hiking, suffered burns covering 40% of their bodies.

Sergeant Pedro Barre and officer Rafael Zea were among the rescuers who followed distant cries for help down a hillside. A fundraising page for the couple, which has raised £47,204, says Simon and Lisa pleaded with rescuers to save them because they wanted to see their children again. They remain in critical condition in intensive care, with their three children and Lisa's twin sister by their side in Spain.

Controversy Over Evacuations

The tragedy has sparked a dispute between survivors and Spanish authorities regarding evacuation orders. Officials claimed some victims died because they ignored advice to shelter in place. However, Thomas-Wolf Verdonckt, whose 63-year-old father Stanislas Verdonckt died in the fire, disputed this via Reuters.

Verdonckt stated that his father and others attempted to use the main road—a designated evacuation route—but found it inaccessible and were forced to take a different trail. He claimed there was no official warning or command to evacuate until it was already too late.

Emma Mitchell, a three-year resident of Bédar, also challenged claims that victims ignored designated routes, stating there had never been information regarding which roads to take during a fire. She further criticized the decision not to send mobile phone alerts to the area.

Bédar Mayor Angel Collado maintained that he had urged the group including Stanislas Verdonckt to shelter in place. Local officials previously stated that a general alert was not issued on Thursday night to avoid complicating evacuations or reaching people outside the affected zone. Instead, police reportedly went door-to-door or used telephones to provide instructions.

Environmental Impact and Aftermath

The fire, which is now contained, burned through approximately 7,000 hectares (17,300 acres) of land. In some areas, the fire advanced at speeds of up to 100 metres per minute. Mayor Francisco Miguel Reyes of Los Gallardos described the devastation as feeling like a bomb has fallen.

The blaze occurred amid a severe heatwave where temperatures frequently exceeded 40C. The Copernicus climate service attributes such intense wildfires and heatwaves to Europe warming twice as fast as the global average.

Nearly 1,500 people were evacuated from communities around Los Gallardos and Bédar. Regional emergency chief Antonio Sanz reported that about 600 people were permitted to return home on Sunday. The Civil Guard has entered more than 250 homes to verify they are empty and planned a final sweep of the area on Sunday to ensure no further victims remain.

A spokesperson for the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office stated the office is supporting affected British nationals and their families and remains in contact with Spanish authorities.

Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez was scheduled to visit the devastated region on Monday, July 13.