Climate change pushes wildfire risk North as Europe battles record blazes
Experts call for stronger prevention as record fires hit France and other northern regions.
Climate change is increasing wildfire risks across Europe, with scientists warning that dangerous fire conditions are spreading beyond the continent's traditional Mediterranean hotspots into northern regions.
The warning comes as France endures a record wildfire season, with more than 13,500 fires burning about 116,000 hectares this year—already surpassing the country's previous record set in 2022.
The Fontainebleau Forest wildfire near Paris, which burned nearly 2,200 hectares, has reinforced concerns that areas once considered low-risk are becoming increasingly vulnerable. Meanwhile, the Gironde megafire has scorched around 42,000 hectares, making it one of mainland France's largest wildfires in recent decades.
Researchers say rising temperatures, prolonged droughts and expanding development along forest edges are increasing exposure to wildfires and extending fire seasons across Europe.
They warn that northern regions remain less prepared and stress that prevention—including vegetation management, wildfire-conscious urban planning and improved evacuation planning—will be essential as climate change intensifies fire risks.
Elsewhere, Spain continued battling several major wildfires while preparing for another heat wave, and Belgium has already recorded more wildfires this year than during all of 2025, with scientists linking the increase to increasingly dry conditions.
Source:AA
