Spanish authorities allowed evacuees to return to their homes late Saturday after a deadly wildfire in Almería province was declared stabilized [1, 2, 3].

The return marks a critical transition for the region of Andalusia as it begins to assess the human and environmental toll of one of the season's most destructive fires.

Juan Manuel Moreno, the head of the regional government of Andalusia, said that the blaze had stabilized, making it safe for residents to go back [1, 2, 3]. Approximately 600 evacuees returned to their properties late Saturday [1]. Officials said that another 1,000 people will return in stages [1]. In total, 1,500 evacuees were affected by the disaster [3].

Firefighters gained significant ground to bring the fire under control [2, 3]. The human cost of the blaze was severe, with reports indicating at least 13 people died [1], though some reports cited 12 deaths [2].

The environmental damage is extensive. The fire burned approximately 7,000 hectares [3], an area estimated at 66 square kilometres [2].

Spanish officials are coordinating the phased return of the remaining displaced residents to ensure safety and infrastructure stability. The Spanish premier is expected to visit the affected areas in Almería to survey the damage and meet with survivors [3].

“Approximately 600 evacuees returned to their properties late Saturday.”

The stabilization of the Almería fire allows the Spanish government to shift from emergency containment to recovery. The discrepancy in death toll and burn area reports highlights the initial chaos of the disaster, while the phased return of 1,500 residents suggests that significant portions of the infrastructure may still be compromised or hazardous.