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Europe wildfires 2025 are breaking all records, turning this summer into the continent’s worst wildfire season in decades.
France, Spain, Albania, Portugal, Greece, Italy, Montenegro, and Croatia are battling blazes as temperatures soar above 100°F (38°C).
Scientists say the climate crisis is fueling hotter, drier weather, creating dangerous fire conditions.
According to the European Forest Fire Information System (EFFIS), nearly 2.4 million acres have burned so far. This is more than double the average of 865,000 acres by early August. CNN analysis confirms 2025 is on track to become the largest wildfire season in over 19 years.
Spain: Multiple regions in crisis
In Spain, almost 1,000 firefighters are deployed nationwide. Thousands of residents face evacuation orders. A major blaze in Tres Cantos, near Madrid, burned 2,500 acres and killed one man, who suffered burns on 98pc of his body.
In Tarifa, a popular tourist town, around 2,000 people, including visitors, were evacuated as flames moved dangerously close to beaches.
The Spanish weather agency “Agencia Estatal de Meteorología” (AEMET) warned of “extraordinary” fire danger, with some areas expecting 110°F (43°C) this week.
Read More: Europe’s deadly heatwave lead to 2,300 deaths: Report
Portugal: Long-burning fires
Portugal is also struggling. Near Trancoso in central Portugal, more than 7,500 acres have been destroyed. About 1,200 firefighters and 400 vehicles are battling the blaze.
In Vila Real, fires have burned for 10 straight days, prompting Mayor Alexandre Favaios to say, “We are being cooked alive, this cannot continue.”
Italy: Mount Vesuvius under threat
In southern Italy, dozens of wildfires broke out near Mount Vesuvius on Sunday, forcing the closure of mountain trails. The health ministry issued red heat alerts for 16 cities as temperatures climbed dangerously high.
France: Largest fire since 1949
France’s southern Aude region saw its largest wildfire in more than 75 years. Although mostly contained, authorities fear the fire could reignite under ongoing heatwave conditions. One person was killed last week in the blaze.
Balkans: Tourist hotspots impacted
In Albania, dozens of fires are burning, including near the Blue Eye, a famous natural water spring and protected park.
While in Montenegro, wildfires near Podgorica sent thick smoke over the capital. Moreover in Croatia, firefighters contained a blaze near the coastal city of Split on Monday.
Experts warn Europe is the world’s fastest-warming continent. Rising temperatures and prolonged drought are making wildfires more frequent and more intense. Without urgent action to address climate change, seasons like Europe wildfires 2025 may soon become the norm.
