Experts warn hotter temperatures and reduced rainfall from climate change intensify forest fires across Europe.
Record-Breaking Fire Season
Europe’s 2025 wildfire season has destroyed over one million hectares, surpassing the size of Corsica.
That area is more than four times last year’s total.
Fire Statistics Across the EU
Authorities reported over 1,800 forest fires, releasing more than 38 million tonnes of CO₂.
Only the Czech Republic, Estonia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, and Malta reported no wildfires.
Italy and Romania recorded more than 450 fires each.
Cyprus reported three fires, but each caused severe destruction.
Spain lost over 400,000 hectares, while Portugal burned more than 260,000 hectares.
Those areas equal 0.8% of Spain and 3% of Portugal’s total landmass.
Preparing Landscapes to Protect Communities
Held warned worsening conditions will stretch firefighting resources to their limits.
He recommended preparing landscapes to make them more resilient and protect firefighters.
Authorities can reduce vegetation through grazing, clearing, or controlled burns.
Agroforestry, combining agriculture with trees, provides another method to limit wildfire impact.
