Experts link hotter temperatures and reduced rainfall from climate change to more intense forest fires.
Europe’s 2025 wildfire season has destroyed record amounts of land.
Fires have consumed over one million hectares in the EU, exceeding the size of Corsica.
This area is more than four times the land burned last year.
Alarming Fire Statistics
Authorities reported over 1,800 forest fires, releasing more than 38 million tonnes of CO₂.
Among 27 EU countries, only the Czech Republic, Estonia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, and Malta avoided wildfires.
Italy and Romania recorded over 450 fires each.
Cyprus reported only three fires, but they caused extreme damage.
Spain burned over 400,000 hectares, while Portugal lost 260,000 hectares, equaling 3% of Portugal and 0.8% of Spain’s land.
Firefighting Resources Stretched
Held warned worsening conditions will strain firefighting resources across Europe.
He urged authorities to prepare landscapes to improve resilience and firefighter safety.
Crews can reduce vegetation through clearing, controlled burns, or grazing.
Agroforestry, combining crops and trees, can help protect land from future fires.
