Wildfires burn 650,000 hectares across Europe in severe 2026 season

Europe has seen nearly 650,000 hectares burned by wildfires since January 2026, making it one of the most severe years on record, with France, Spain, and Italy hardest hit after a hot, dry summer. According to the European EFFIS system, 646,628 hectares have burned in the EU, more than double the 20-year average for this period, though below 2025's record of nearly one million hectares by September 1. Spain leads with about 295,000 hectares, followed by France at 96,000 and Italy at 91,000. Most fires are human-caused, but prolonged heat, drought, and wind have fueled rapid spread. The WHO notes risk is now occasionally extending to traditionally cooler regions like the British Isles and southern Scandinavia during exceptionally dry periods.