Evropa v plamenih The European Union has witnessed one of its worst wildfire seasons on record, with nearly 500,000 hectares of forest, farmland, and grassland burned from January to August 2026, according to data from the European Forest Fire Information System (EFFIS), managed by the Joint Research Centre (JRC) of the European Commission. The area affected equals almost a quarter of Slovenia’s total landmass, highlighting the unprecedented scale of the disaster. The summer months proved particularly devastating, with fires no longer confined to traditionally hot regions such as Greece, Spain, and Portugal. Countries previously considered relatively safe from large-scale wildfires, including France and Germany, saw significant damage. Poland also recorded its largest-ever number of forest fires, marking a rare occurrence in the country’s history. These developments signal a growing threat across the continent, driven by extreme weather conditions and prolonged dry spells. As of early August 2026, the total area burned in the EU reached 498,823 hectares, surpassing the figures from the same period in 2025, which was already the worst season on record. In comparison, the average over two decades stood at 197,347 hectares. The increase underscores a troubling trend, suggesting that climate change is intensifying the frequency and severity of wildfires. France emerged as the most severely impacted nation, with 92,871 hectares burned by mid-August. This figure represents more than five times the 14,756-hectare average for the period. Fires spread deep into the interior of the country and toward the north, indicating that the risk is no longer limited to southern regions. The situation in the Gironde region was particularly alarming, with a fire of such magnitude not seen since 1949. Local authorities struggled to contain the blaze, leading to extensive property damage and loss of life. The economic impact of these fires has been substantial. Financial institutions estimate the cost of damages in France alone could range between €10 billion and €15 billion, making this year’s fire season one of the most expensive in the country’s history. Unlike other nations, France does not provide state-backed compensation for natural disasters through its “Cat-Nat” scheme. As a result, private insurance companies, woodland owners, and local municipalities bear the brunt of the financial burden, many of whom were unprepared for such losses. Spain, meanwhile, continues to lead in terms of absolute area burned, with 222,753 hectares scorched. This equates to approximately 0.44 percent of the country’s total land area, representing a 134 percent increase over historical averages. The destruction has been particularly severe in areas surrounding Valencia, where the landscape has been transformed into charred remnants of once-green forests. Despite efforts to control the blazes, the fires continue to move northward and eastward, threatening new regions. Central and Eastern European countries have also experienced a surge in wildfires. Germany reported 2,442 hectares burned, a 168 percent increase compared to the long-term average. Poland saw 1,458 hectares burned, four times the usual rate. Slovakia, though recording only minor burns, still exceeded its average by nearly 15 times. These figures suggest that the fire risk is expanding beyond traditional hotspots, raising concerns among policymakers and environmental experts. The situation in Portugal offers a different perspective. While the country burned 50,670 hectares, slightly less than its historical average, it demonstrates that effective firefighting strategies can mitigate some of the damage. However, even in nations with robust response systems, the challenge of combating increasingly frequent and intense wildfires remains daunting. As the summer progresses, the focus shifts to recovery efforts, yet the underlying causes, climate change, deforestation, and unsustainable land management practices, continue to pose a persistent threat.
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