Only One Survived the Blazing Spanish Wildfire

Mon Sep 14 2026 16:17:25 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

A 70‑year‑old Briton recounts how he escaped a deadly blaze in Bédar, leaving his wife and friends behind.

The devastating wildfire that swept through Bédar, Spain, claimed 13 lives, collapsing the tight‑knit community of British expatriates. 70‑year‑old Malcolm Timbrell survived when a convoy of cars burst into flames, but his wife, Annette, and seven friends were consumed. He tells the harrowing story of the desperate race toward safety, insisting the catastrophe was a cruel combination of wind, dryness and heat. As he processes the loss, he hopes the authorities will identify the victims soon while he mourns the emotional scars that linger.

Only One Survived the Blazing Spanish Wildfire

On Thursday, a massive blaze tore through the Andalusian village of Bédar, demolishing homes, killing 13 people and leaving a trail of charred fields. In the midst of the chaos, 70‑year‑old Malcolm Timbrell emerged as the sole survivor, a testament to a mix of fortune and unfaltering determination.

"You'd never imagine it could happen," Malcolm reflected, eyes still raw from the day’s shock. He and his wife, Annette Kilgore, 69, had once dreamed of peaceful retirement in the rural countryside, a dream that was snapped suddenly to ashes.

"My wife and our other seven friends and neighbours decided the only safe way was to walk in front of the firewall," he said. Their attempt to outrun the advancing flames saw the fire reach 20 km/h, trapping them.

"I returned to save my cats, Charlie and Lilly," Malcolm explained. He found themselves in a frantic scramble for the depot of cars that were beginning to ignite. Four of six vehicles combusted instantly. His luck turned when the remaining two, severely singed yet intact, offered sanctuary.

Charred House — Malcolm and Annette's home reduced to ashes

"The fire eventually passed by, and I was rescued by emergency workers," he said, the adrenaline sliding off as memories resurfaced. In the days since, local police recovered eight bodies near the couple's dwelling, four of them in sun‑blasted vehicles. Identification efforts continue.

"I truly don't want to blame anyone," he emphasised, as helicopters were hindered by the smog and seaplanes could not arrive before dusk. He underlined the shared tragedy that crossed national borders: three Britons, one French, one Belgian and several Spanish victims were recorded.

"We are waiting for DNA clarification. Once it is out, I think I will probably fall apart," Malcolm added, his voice echoing the weight of loss. He expressed gratitude for international solidarity and stresses that, while the events are devastating, the lifelines of friendship and community remain steadfast.”

Additional reporting by Kostas Kallergis and Juan Domínguez.