A new study found that 335 million ha (828 million ha) burned worldwide in 2025, the second-lowest global wildfire total since 2002 and 16% below the long-term average. Despite that, 2025 became the costliest year on record for insured wildfire losses globally, with more than 300 000 evacuations and over 90 fatalities linked to major fires in Canada, the United States, Europe, and South Korea.
Wildfires burning since August 9, 2025, have scorched about 382 600 ha (945 000 acres) in Spain and at least 216 200 ha (534 000 acres) in Portugal, killing six people and forcing tens of thousands to evacuate.
A wildfire that began near Molezuelas de la Carballeda (Zamora) at about 14:25 local time (12:25 UTC) on August 10, 2025, has burned between 36 500 and 39 700 hectares (90 200 to 98 100 acres) and spread into neighboring León. It is the largest single wildfire in Spain since official records began in 1968, with three people and extensive damage to homes, farmland, forest, and infrastructure.
Record-breaking temperatures have engulfed parts of Europe for the second time since mid-June. Before the end of the week, temperatures are expected to reach the high 40s (°C). As a result, France, Britain, Portugal and Spain are on high alert over wildfires and public health.
790 wildfires were reported in Europe, in the period between April 1 and October 12, 2016, according to the European Firenews service. Several countries, such as Italy or France, suffered major fires that caused massive devastation of the green surface while others…
