Soon all of Europe could be on fire, an EU agency warns
An EU agency warns of widespread fire risk as blazes rage in several countries and 435,000 hectares have burned so far in 2026.
"Soon all of Europe could be on fire," warned an EU agency as a new wave of large wildfires rages across the continent and experts warn of heightened risk at the start of August.
Large blazes are already active in France, Spain and Portugal, while authorities express growing concern about fresh outbreaks in Italy, Greece and parts of central Europe.
Graphic first‑person footage from one affected region has circulated online. One post captured the dangers faced by crews fighting the flames: "#Viral | Inside the Front Lines of France’s Deadliest Wildfire" — Arabian (@Arabian__KGB) July 29, 2026
Human toll and containment efforts
Greek authorities have confirmed the deaths of three firefighters. In Spain and Portugal, emergency services managed to regain control of some of the fires that threatened towns and communities.
Another social media post documented a fast‑moving blaze in Turkey: "Massive fast-moving forest fire in Seydikemer, Mu la Province, Turkey (29.07.2026)" — رضوانہ (@Rizvana_Raza) July 29, 2026
According to data published on July 30, 2026, some 435,000 hectares have burned so far this year — nearly three times the historical average. The number of registered fires in 2026 stands at 1,400, roughly double the usual figure. So far this season France has lost 91,000 hectares and Spain 207,000 hectares to wildfire.
Authorities and scientists link the severity of this season to climate change: repeated heat waves have dried vegetation, creating abundant fuel that allows even small ignitions to spread rapidly and makes containment far more difficult.
Photo: MODIS Land Rapid Response Team, NASA GSFC / Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)
