Scientists warn rising temperatures and lower rainfall are intensifying forest fires across Europe.
The 2025 wildfire season has destroyed record amounts of land.
Fire has consumed over one million hectares in the EU, surpassing Corsica’s total area.
This year’s burnt area exceeds last year’s by more than four times.
Europe’s Fire Toll
Authorities reported over 1,800 forest fires, releasing more than 38 million tonnes of CO₂.
Only the Czech Republic, Estonia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, and Malta avoided wildfires among EU nations.
Italy and Romania recorded over 450 fires each.
Some smaller fire counts caused disproportionate damage, such as three severe fires in Cyprus.
Since January, Spain lost over 400,000 hectares, and Portugal lost over 260,000 hectares.
Those areas equal 0.8% of Spain and 3% of Portugal’s total landmass.
Pressures on Firefighting
Held cautioned worsening fires will stretch firefighting resources to their limits.
He urged officials to prepare landscapes for resilience, improving safety and efficiency for firefighters.
Authorities can reduce vegetation through clearing, grazing, or controlled burns.
Agroforestry systems, mixing crops and trees, can strengthen land and reduce fire risks.
