Unicaja has launched a package of interest-free emergency loans to help families and businesses recover from the devastating wildfire that tore through Los Gallardos, Bedar and Lubrin last week.

The initiative is aimed at residents, self-employed workers, small businesses, farmers and livestock owners affected by the blaze.

The unprecedented inferno has so far claimed 13 lives and burned more than 7,000 hectares across eastern Almeria.

The bank has introduced two financing options designed to provide immediate financial support.

The first is a recovery loan, which can be used to repair or replace damaged homes, agricultural holdings, vehicles and other essential assets.

It will finance up to 80% of the cost of the recovery project, with repayment periods of up to five years.

The second allows customers to access insurance compensation in advance, providing up to 90% of the expected payout from either the Insurance Compensation Consortium or private insurers.

These loans are available for up to 12 months, with the option of an extension if compensation has not yet been received.

Both products are being offered with 0% interest and no fees, including no arrangement, administration or early repayment charges.

According to Unicaja, the aim is to provide immediate liquidity so affected residents and businesses can begin rebuilding while waiting for insurance claims to be processed.

Anyone living in the affected areas can apply through any Unicaja branch, where specialist advisers will assess each application individually.

The bank said the measures form part of its emergency response protocols and are intended to help speed up the recovery of communities and local businesses following major natural disasters.

Similar schemes were introduced after the devastating DANA floods in 2024 and Spain’s major wildfires in 2025.

Read more Andalucia news at the Spanish Eye.