Wildfires up over 100% in Spain and Portugal
New data indicates a sharp rise in wildfires across parts of the WHO European Region this year. Spain and Portugal have reported more than a 100% increase in fires compared to the same period in 2025.
Wildfires have increased sharply across parts of the WHO European Region between January and July of this year. Spain and Portugal, in particular, have reported more than a 100% rise in wildfires compared to the same period in 2025.
Last year, wildfires burned through 2.2 million hectares of the Region, up from 1.4 million hectares in 2022—a 57% increase in two years.
Dr Hans Henri P. Kluge, WHO Regional Director for Europe, has expressed concern over the trend. While specific data for other countries is not detailed, the overall pattern suggests an elevated risk.
The increase is attributed by experts to factors including climate change and periods of intense heat and drought, contributing to a higher incidence of fires across the continent.