British Survivor's Harrowing Escape from Spanish Wildfire Leaves 13 Dead

Mon Sep 14 2026 11:26:27 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

A 70‑year‑old British man recounts surviving a deadly blaze in Spain, holding onto his cats while his wife and friends lost their lives in the rush to safety.

A Spanish wildfire in Almería devastated the village of Bédar, claiming 13 lives, including a Belgian, French and Spanish nationals, as well as three British residents. 70‑year‑old Malcolm Timbrell survived the inferno by staying in a car with his cats while his wife and 12 friends tried to flee on foot. Eight bodies have been found on the escape route. Authorities say the fire moved at 20 km/h, rendering several vehicles and homes charred. Despite the tragedy, the survivor says there is no blame to be placed on anyone for that day.

British Survivor's Harrowing Escape from Spanish Wildfire Leaves 13 Dead

In the early hours of Thursday, a freak fire swept across the Andalusian village of Bédar, scattering people and homes in a rapid, wind‑driven blaze that surged at roughly 20 km/h.

The most vulnerable of its victims were those who had chosen to leave the village in their cars, as their trusted ride‑share of cat‑owners Malcolm Timbrell and his 69‑year‑old wife Annette felt compelled to protect their two household pets, Charlie and Lilly.

Charred house in Bédar — Malcolm and Annette’s home reduced to ash after the 2026 fire.

Malcolm, now 70, recounts that he began to pull his cat pair inside his car, but the group’s flight plan changed when the flames barreled quickly toward them. With the village already in the ares, the wife and seven neighbours decided to leave in an attempt to cross the front of the advancing fire, but the wildfire’s speed made the attempt futile.

“I survived only because I was inside the last car that was still standing,” recalls the man, pointing out that four of the surrounding cars caught fire immediately, while the final one—albeit heavily singed—sustained an escape.

At present, eight bodies have been recovered down a path from the couple’s burnt home, and four wrecked cars still lie in the scarred landscape. Spanish officials confirm that the victims include three British residents, a 93‑year‑old woman most likely British, and nationals from France, Belgium and Spain.

The local emergency services and police have provided continuous support, yet the emotional toll on Malcolm remains heavy. He notes that the community’s solidarity and cooperation are immeasurable as he grapples with the loss of his loved ones and the unconfirmed identity of the other victims.

Additional reporting by Kostas Kallergis and Juan Dominguez.