A British couple has been found severely burned and semi-conscious in a ravine after being caught in deadly wildfires that swept through Spain's Almeria province, according to local media reports. The pair are believed to have been hiking when the blaze, which spread with extreme rapidity, engulfed the area on Thursday.

These wildfires have proven to be among the deadliest in Spanish history, claiming the lives of 12 people, including four individuals believed to be British nationals. Authorities have stated that the fire consumed approximately 7,000 hectares (17,300 acres) of land before being contained. The identities of those who perished have not yet been officially confirmed.

Civil Guard officers discovered the couple in the early hours of Friday morning while conducting searches for survivors near the village of Bedar, the area most affected by the fire. Rescuers reported hearing faint cries for help, leading them to the couple's location down a steep hillside. The couple were found in critical condition, suffering from severe burns covering an estimated 40% of their bodies.

On Sunday, the regional head of Andalusia, Juan Manuel Moreno Bonilla, announced that improved weather conditions had allowed firefighters to bring the blaze under control, leading to a downgrade in the overall alert status. Approximately 600 of the nearly 1,500 people evacuated from the fire zone in Almería province were permitted to return to their homes.

Rescuers described the challenging nature of the operation, with Sergeant Pedro Barre noting an instinct to "look again, try one more time" when searching for survivors. Rafael Zea, another officer involved, emphasized the immense effort required for the couple to call out for help in their state, and Barre recalled the "surprise and emotion" on their faces upon being found.

Dozens of residents gathered near the village of Bédar, anxiously awaiting permission to return to their properties, many uncertain about the fate of their homes. Among them were Mike and Belinda Lithgoe from Cornwall, who own a holiday property in the area. They had been staying in their camper van with their dog since being evacuated and hoped their house had been spared.

While the main fire has been contained, emergency operations continued in some areas, with police restricting access to Bédar on Sunday. The incident highlights the devastating impact of wildfires, which have become increasingly frequent and intense in recent years due to climate change and land management practices.

Further investigations into the cause of the wildfires are expected, as authorities assess the full extent of the damage and support the affected communities. The long-term recovery efforts for the burned landscape and the displaced residents will likely be significant.