Record wildfires burn more than 1 million hectares of EU land this year

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Wildfires have burned over 1,028,000 hectares across the European Union so far in 2025, according to the European Forest Fire Information System (EFFIS, European Commission’s Joint Research Centre) — the largest area ever recorded since EU records began in 2006. This burned area is larger than Cyprus. The previous record was in 2017, when approximately 998,000 hectares were lost to fires.

EFFIS data show that Spain and Portugal have suffered the most, accounting for about two-thirds of the total burned land. During the peak of mid-August (Aug 5–19), a severe heatwave overlapped with a sharp increase in wildfire activity.

At least eight people died in Spain and Portugal; roads and train services were disrupted. In Spain (Castile and Leon region), 10 fires were still active and about 700 people were evacuated. In Portugal, one of the largest fires (Piódão) burned more than 60,000 hectares and was extinguished only after ~12 days.

EFFIS also estimates that these fires have emitted about 38 million tonnes of CO₂ so far this year — more than any other year at the same stage. If trends continue, 2025 could exceed the annual record of 41 million tonnes of wildfire emissions.

Climate change — with more frequent heatwaves, droughts, and dry conditions — is making wildfires more likely and intense. Land-management practices (e.g. clearing dry vegetation) are also crucial to limit fire spread.