Europe is grappling with one of its most severe wildfire seasons on record, with blazes destroying more than one million hectares of land so far this year, according to new figures released by the EU’s Joint Research Centre (JRC).
The devastation, fueled by prolonged heatwaves and drought linked to climate change, has affected several countries across southern and eastern Europe. Spain, Italy, Greece, and Portugal have been among the hardest hit, with firefighters battling to contain flames that have ravaged forests, farmland, and communities.
The JRC report revealed that the scale of destruction in 2025 has already surpassed the annual averages recorded in recent decades, underscoring growing concerns about the continent’s vulnerability to extreme weather events. Scientists warn that rising global temperatures are increasing both the frequency and intensity of wildfires.
European Union officials have deployed additional firefighting aircraft and personnel under its civil protection mechanism, but resources remain stretched as multiple large-scale fires continue to burn simultaneously across member states.
Environmental groups say the crisis highlights the urgent need for stronger climate action and better land management strategies.
“We are witnessing the new reality of climate change in Europe. Unless we adapt quickly, wildfire seasons will only grow longer and more destructive,” says one campaigner.
The economic and ecological costs are also mounting. Thousands of residents have been displaced, crops destroyed, and wildlife habitats decimated, while authorities brace for further challenges in recovery and reconstruction once the flames are extinguished.
With summer temperatures expected to remain high into September, officials warn that the risk of additional outbreaks remains critical.
