Europe wildfires burn 600,000 hectares in 2026, Spain worst hit
This digest was compiled by AI from multiple sources — links to the originals are below.
Wildfires have burned more than 600,000 hectares across Europe in 2026, according to the European Forest Fire Information System. Spain suffered the largest loss, with about 300,000 hectares burned, including a record fire in the Avila region. Nearly 400,000 people were evacuated in Spain and France alone.
Key Facts
- More than 600,000 hectares have burned in Europe in 2026, according to EFFIS data.
- Spain is the most affected country, with about 300,000 hectares burned, including over 40,000 hectares in the Avila region.
- France lost more than 100,000 hectares, with over 40,000 hectares burned in the Gironde region.
- Nearly 400,000 people were evacuated in Spain and France due to the fires.
- In one week of July 2026, about 200,000 hectares of forest burned, far exceeding the previous record year of 2025.
Scale of the Fires
The European Forest Fire Information System (EFFIS) recorded more than 600,000 hectares burned across Europe in 2026. The statistics cover fires larger than 30 hectares, excluding many smaller wildfires. In one week of July 2026 alone, approximately 200,000 hectares of forest burned, far above the previous record year of 2025. The fires affected not only forests but also shrublands, agricultural lands, and urban areas.
Country-Level Impact
Spain was the most affected country in 2026, with about 300,000 hectares burned. The Avila region alone lost more than 40,000 hectares, the largest forest fire in Spain's monitoring history. France ranked second, with more than 100,000 hectares burned, including over 40,000 hectares in the Gironde region. Nearly 400,000 people were evacuated in Spain and France due to the fires.
Response and Outlook
Michalak, a European Commission official, said the current situation is alarming and that the summer season is not yet over. He noted that countries are cooperating on wildfire response, but the issue requires a whole-of-society approach. Michalak said the fires show that not everything can be controlled and that more needs to be done beyond forestry and firefighting services.
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Europe wildfires burn 600,000 hectares in 2026, Spain worst hit
