Wildfire damage in EU quadruples to nearly 900K hectares from 2024

Wildfires have scorched nearly 895,000 hectares across the European Union (EU) so far this year, more than four times the area recorded in the same period of 2024, the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre (JRC) said Tuesday.

The burnt area has more than doubled compared with last week’s tally of 439,568 hectares, underscoring the rapid spread of wildfires in recent days.

Looking ahead, the fire danger forecast suggests easing conditions in the southern part of Europe, including Spain, France, Italy, the Balkans, and Greece. However, risk levels are set to climb in northern and northwestern parts of the continent.

Firefighters work to extinguish a wildfire in Chaves, Vila Real District, Portugal, on Aug. 20. Photos by Xinhua

Firefighters carry out operations to control a wildfire in Chaves, Vila Real District, Portugal, on Aug. 20.

Residents help firefighters combat a forest fire in Oímbra, Ourense, Spain, on Aug. 20.

A local resident attempts to put out a wildfire in Chaves, Vila Real District, Portugal, on Aug. 20.

Volunteers assist firefighters in battling a forest fire in Oímbra, Ourense, Spain, on Aug. 20.

Thick smoke rises from a forest fire in León, Spain, on Aug. 20.

(Xinhua)