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Europe's Summer of Fire: Wildfires Rage
13 Aug
Summary
- Over 505,000 hectares scorched across Europe this summer.
- Extreme heat linked to 25,000 deaths in Western Europe.
- Wildfire risk remains very high across much of the continent.
Europe is experiencing its fifth major heatwave of the summer, exacerbating an already severe wildfire season. More than 505,000 hectares of land have been consumed by flames, significantly exceeding the 20-year average. This year's intense heat, which has been linked to an estimated 25,000 deaths in countries like Spain, France, and the UK, has dried out vegetation that grew lush after a wet winter.
As of August 13, 2026, vast areas of Western, Central, Eastern, and Southeastern Europe face a "very high" to "extreme" risk of wildfires. While the immediate threat is shifting eastward, some fires remain active, particularly in Western Europe, leading to ongoing evacuations. Forecasters predict the main wildfire threat will move eastward, with southern Spain and Central European countries at highest risk early next week.
The economic toll of these fires is substantial, estimated at up to £16.4 billion, covering emergency response, property damage, and health impacts. Record-breaking average temperatures in June and July, far above the historical average, have contributed to prolonged drought conditions across 50% of the UK and EU. Europe's major rivers are also at record low levels, further intensifying the risk.
