A wildfire killed their loved ones in Spain. These British families demand to know why

What the report says

Relatives of British nationals killed in a wildfire in the Spanish village of Bédar are pressing regional authorities for a public inquiry after lawmakers in Andalusia blocked an opposition request for one. BBC World News reports that nine Britons were among 15 people who died when flames swept through the hillside community in Almería on 9 July. Families say they want a clear account of what happened, including why no emergency alert was sent to mobile phones as the fire advanced.

Among those speaking to the BBC were Duncan Chard, whose father Michael and his partner Christine died, and Danni Gillam-Kirton, who lost her parents Pete and Fran. They say residents received little or no warning and that some evacuation guidance came only minutes before the fire reached homes. The families also criticise how police and other authorities have dealt with the recovery of personal belongings and remains after the blaze.

The governing People’s Party and the far-right Vox in the Andalusian parliament rejected a commission of inquiry sought by the Socialist opposition, arguing that a criminal investigation should answer the questions instead. Officials have said the emergency-alert system was not used because it could not be tailored to specific areas, and that sending one might have caused panic. Families reject that explanation and say accountability matters both for them and for public safety.

Background in the BBC report says Bédar’s emergency plan had last been approved in 2019 and was being updated. The fire, also linked in reporting to the Los Gallardos area, remains under criminal investigation.