EU records largest wildfire loss on record with over 1 million hectares burned in 2025

Rising global temperatures and prolonged heat waves linked to climate change have intensified wildfire activity across Europe, where the majority of incidents are reported to be human-induced. Data compiled by Anadolu Agency from the European Forest Fire Information System (EFFIS) indicate that EU countries confronted an unprecedented number of severe fires throughout the year.

With wildfire seasons lengthening and blazes becoming increasingly destructive, 2025 has been identified as the worst year on record both in terms of the number of fires and the scale of burned land, surpassing all figures recorded since 2006.

Across the EU, burned forest area reached 1,033,966 hectares, equivalent to approximately 10,340 square kilometers.

One week’s destruction equaled previous annual totals

In 2024, a total of 8,343 wildfires resulted in the loss of 383,317 hectares of land across the bloc. Although last year was already considered severe, wildfire losses in 2025 more than tripled those figures, setting a new record.

During the week of Aug. 12 alone, widespread fires, particularly in Spain and Portugal destroyed 334,478 hectares of forest. Thus, the forest loss recorded in just one week was equivalent to the annual losses seen in previous years.

Spain and Portugal suffered greatest losses

Spain registered the most extensive wildfire damage in 2025, with 393,079 hectares burned. Portugal followed with 278,387 hectares, while Romania reported 129,443 hectares of forest loss.

Italy recorded 84,348 hectares of burned land, Greece 47,819 hectares, France 36,895 hectares, and Bulgaria 32,752 hectares.

When all member states are included, the total burned area across the EU reaches 1.034 million hectares.

Burned forest area by country in 2025 (Hectares)

Austria — 431
Belgium — 668
Bulgaria — 32,752
Croatia — 3,380
Cyprus — 13,527
Denmark — 255
Finland — 407
France — 36,895
Germany — 5,475
Greece — 47,819
Hungary — 666
Ireland — 4,355
Italy — 84,348
Latvia — 30
Netherlands — 170
Poland — 295
Portugal — 278,387
Romania — 129,443
Slovakia — 362
Slovenia — 143
Spain — 393,079
Sweden — 1,079

Total: 1,033,966 hectares