Europe faces expanding wildfire risks due to climate change

Wildfire risks are expanding across Europe as warmer and drier conditions, driven by climate change and land use, affect traditionally cooler and wetter regions. According to the European Forest Fire Information System, over 600,000 hectares have burned within European Union countries during the first eight months of 2026. While this is lower than the record-breaking 2025 figures, it is significantly higher than the 20-year average of approximately 280,000 hectares.

Historically fire-prone nations like France and Spain continue to face threats, but Western and Central Europe, including the UK and southern Scandinavia, are seeing increased vulnerability. The developing El Niño phenomenon may further exacerbate these risks by influencing rainfall and temperature patterns.

In Scotland, a wildfire in the Cairngorms mountains during mid-July demonstrated the growing threat to new areas. Exceptionally dry conditions allowed the fire to penetrate dry peat layers, creating hotspots that were difficult to contain. Over 500 firefighters and aerial support were deployed to combat the blaze, which prompted evacuation orders for the village of Nethy Bridge.