British mum latest to die from Spanish wildfires, as death toll hits 14

A British woman has died in hospital after she was caught in a devastating wildfire in Spain in July, bringing the total death toll to 14.

The blaze scorched around 35 square miles of forest and farmland in Los Gallardos, southern Spain, killing 12 people, including six Brits.

It is one of the deadliest wildfires in Spain’s history.

Lisa Fryett died in hospital on July 28 from injuries she sustained in the fire, making her the eighth Brit killed by the blaze.

A 93-year-old British woman, who has not been named, also died in hospital.

Ms Fryett and her husband Simon Batchelor, from Essex, were staying near Bédar, Los Gallardos, when the huge wildfire swept through the area.

The couple were rescued and taken to hospital, but were in a critical condition.

Lisa Fryett and Simon Bachelor were staying in Bedar, southern Spain when a huge wildfire engulfed the area. / Credit: GoFundMe

Their family set up a GoFundMe to raise money towards insurance and healthcare costs, but they later confirmed Ms Fryett had passed away.

They said she was surrounded by family, including their three children.

Her son Alfie Batchelor wrote on Facebook: “Words genuinely can’t describe how upset I am right now writing this. It doesn’t feel real still but yesterday 28/07/2026 we said goodbye to my beautiful mum.”

Mia Witt, a relative who organised the fundraiser, said: “Our hearts are completely broken, and there are simply no words to describe the pain we are feeling.

“Lisa fought so incredibly hard, and we are so grateful that her loved ones were able to be by her side, surrounding her with love until the very end.”

The couple’s family are now raising money to cover funeral costs and the ongoing treatment of Mr Batchelor, who remains in hospital in a critical condition.