EU system for tracking wildland fires and fire risk across Europe and neighboring regions
Europe endures a fifth heatwave this summer, with Spain and parts of Western and Southern Europe experiencing temperatures near or above 40C. The heat threatens public health, fuels wildfires and intensifies drought across the region, as authorities warn of ongoing risk and prepare cooling measures.
Wildfires have intensified across Europe, with record heat and drought fueling unprecedented fire activity. Several countries report thousands of hectares burned, mass evacuations, and mounting economic costs as authorities warn of a worsening season.
The EU Copernicus service has updated that Western Europe endured its third-hottest summer on record, driven by a strong El Niño and rising fossil-fuel emissions. Heatwaves have raised mortality, stressed water systems, and intensified drought, with record sea temperatures and wildfire activity compounding impacts.