Europe is experiencing its most devastating wildfire season on record in 2025, with nearly 440,000 hectares (about 1,700 square miles) burned across the Eurozone so far this year. This figure, reported by the EU Joint Research Centre and the European Forest Fires Information System (EFFIS), is more than double the average for this time of year since 2006.

Europe Wildfires 2025
Europe Wildfires 2025

Key Facts and Statistics

Burned Area: 439,568 hectares (January 1 – August 13, 2025)

Comparison with 2024: More than twice the 2024 total for the same period

Number of Fires: 1,599 in 2025 vs. 1,089 in 2024

Long-Term Average: Far exceeds the 19-year average for this time frame

Worst-Affected Countries: Spain, Portugal, Greece, Italy, and parts of France


Causes of the Record-Breaking Fires

Experts link the surge in wildfires to multiple climate and human factors, including:

Heatwaves: Prolonged periods of extreme temperatures exceeding 40°C in parts of Southern Europe

Dry Conditions: Lack of rainfall has created tinderbox-like landscapes

Strong Winds: Spread fires rapidly across rural and forested areas

Arson and Human Negligence: Suspected in several cases


Impact on People and the Environment

The fires have caused:

Mass Evacuations: Thousands displaced from homes and tourist resorts

Casualties: Multiple fatalities and injuries reported

Property Loss: Destruction of homes, farms, factories, and infrastructure

Ecological Damage: Severe loss of biodiversity and destruction of habitats

Economic Costs: Billions in damages and firefighting expenses


European Countries Worst Affected

Spain: Major fires in Valencia, Catalonia, and Andalusia with mass evacuations

Portugal: Large-scale forest blazes fueled by winds from the Atlantic

Greece: Dozens of fires, including in Evros and Rhodes, with lives lost

Italy: Sardinia and Sicily facing widespread damage and tourism disruption


Government and EU Response

Deployment of EU Civil Protection Mechanism firefighting aircraft and crews

Financial aid packages for affected regions

Increased firefighting resources and personnel

Public warnings and heat-health alerts to prevent further incidents


Looking Ahead

Forecasts indicate that fire risks remain extreme in many regions for the remainder of August, with high temperatures and strong winds expected. Climate experts warn that without aggressive climate change mitigation, extreme wildfire seasons may become the norm in Europe.


FAQ's

Q1: How many hectares have burned in Europe in 2025 so far?
As of August 13, 2025, nearly 440,000 hectares have burned across the European Union — more than double the average for this period since 2006.

Q2: Which European countries are worst affected by the 2025 wildfires?
Spain, Portugal, Greece, Italy, and parts of France have reported the most severe damage, with mass evacuations and loss of life.

Q3: What is causing so many wildfires in Europe this year?
The fires are fueled by heatwaves, drought, strong winds, and in some cases, suspected arson or human negligence.

Q4: How is the EU responding to the wildfire crisis?
The EU has deployed firefighting aircraft, increased resources, and offered financial aid to affected regions, along with public safety warnings.

Q5: Could future wildfire seasons be as bad as 2025?
Experts warn that without strong climate action, extreme wildfire seasons like 2025 could become increasingly frequent.