New data reveals a sharp rise in wildfires across parts of the WHO European Region between January and July this year. Portugal and Spain have seen reported wildfires increase by more than 100% compared with the same period in 2025
Last year, wildfires burnt through 2.2 million hectares of the Region, up from 1.4 million hectares in 2022 – a 57% increase in just four years.
Behind these numbers are real people and communities.
Wildfires destroy homes and livelihoods, force evacuations, and place enormous pressure on emergency services and health systems. Tragically, they also claim lives.
The health impacts extend far beyond the flames.
