In recent years, Europe has witnessed an alarming surge in wildfires. Once considered mostly a Mediterranean phenomenon, wildfires are now appearing further north, more frequently, and with greater intensity. From the 2021 fires in Greece and Turkey to the record-breaking 2022 and 2023 seasons in France, Spain, and Germany, data shows that Europe is facing a new fire reality.
But is this a short-term anomaly — or a long-term climate threat?
A Sharp Rise in Burned Areas
According to Global Wildfire Information System (GWIS) and ECMWF’s CAMS Fire Monitoring, the average annual burned area in Europe has more than doubled compared to the previous decade.
- In 2022, over 785,000 hectares were burned — 2.5x the EU average.
- 2023 saw similar levels, with large fires in Spain, Portugal, Romania, and even parts of Scandinavia.
“Europe is becoming more flammable, and not just in the south.” — European Forest Fire Information System (EFFIS)
What’s Driving the Increase?
The trend is linked to multiple overlapping factors:
- Rising temperatures: Europe is warming faster than the global average. This leads to earlier and longer fire seasons.
- Prolonged droughts: Particularly in southern and central Europe, soil moisture deficits are becoming more common.
- Land use changes: Abandoned farmlands and monoculture plantations create ideal fire fuel.
- Climate variability: Heatwaves combined with wind and low humidity amplify fire spread.
Northern Shift: Fires Beyond the Mediterranean
One of the most notable developments is the northward expansion of fire risk:
- Germany, Poland, and the Czech Republic have recorded their largest wildfires on record since 2020.
- Fires in Sweden and Finland have drawn attention to boreal forest vulnerability during dry summers.
These regions often lack traditional firefighting infrastructure for large-scale blazes, making them especially vulnerable.
The Role of Climate Change
Climate models from ECMWF and Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S) project a 50–100% increase in fire danger days by 2030–2040 under current warming scenarios.
- Simulations show that even moderate warming (+1.5–2°C) will drastically increase fire weather index values across southern and central Europe.
- This includes longer fire seasons, more frequent ignitions, and greater potential for megafires.
Impacts Beyond the Burn
Wildfires in Europe affect more than just forests:
- Air quality: CAMS reported significant spikes in PM2.5 during 2023 fires in France and Spain.
- Public health: Smoke exposure has been linked to cardiovascular and respiratory issues.
- Biodiversity: Fires threaten habitats in Natura 2000 sites, home to rare species.
- Economy: Tourism, agriculture, and forestry industries are all under pressure.
How Is Europe Responding?
In response, the EU has scaled up wildfire preparedness:
- EU Civil Protection Mechanism now includes joint aerial firefighting teams and rapid deployment units.
- Countries like Portugal and Greece are investing in prescribed burns, fire-adapted landscapes, and early warning systems.
- Satellite monitoring (via Copernicus EMS and NASA FIRMS) enables better detection and tracking of fire activity.
A Growing Threat That Demands Action
Wildfires in Europe are no longer rare or regional — they are a pan-continental risk. Climate projections, combined with observed trends, confirm that the threat is growing.
Whether it’s the Pyrenees, the Alps, or the Black Forest, fire resilience is no longer optional — it’s essential. Prevention, adaptation, and public awareness will be the key tools for protecting Europe’s forests, people, and air.