Climate Threat Extreme Weather in Europe

2025 a Record Year for Forest Fires in EU Countries

So far this year, more than one million hectares have been ravaged by forest fires in the EU – a record since measurements began in 2006, according to AFP's analysis of data from the EU's climate service Copernicus.

The previous record year, 2017, saw just under one million hectares burn throughout the year – a record that has now been surpassed.

The worst-hit are Spain and Portugal, which are still battling fires. In Spain, 400,000 hectares have burned, almost 40 percent of the total in the EU. In Portugal, the figure is 274,000 hectares. France and Romania are third and fourth on the list.

Worst Fires in 30 Years – Prosecutors Investigate Shortcomings

The Spanish Public Prosecutor's Office will now investigate the connection between the massive fires and the lack of plans to prevent them. This is reported by El País.

Since 2022, which was also an extreme fire year, municipalities in risk areas have been required to develop prevention programs to better manage the fires.

Over 400,000 hectares have burned and thousands of people have been forced to leave their homes since the fires broke out a couple of weeks ago.

In recent days, slightly cooler weather has been beneficial for extinguishing the fires, while reports are that increasing winds may make it more difficult in coastal and mountainous areas.