Spain forest fires reach 3.5 times the historical annual average

Spain is facing a significant increase in forest fire activity in 2026. According to data from the European Forest Fire Information System (EFFIS), approximately 299,501 hectares have burned between January 1 and September 23, a figure roughly 3.5 times higher than the annual average since 2006. While this represents 44.1% of all forest area burned in the European Union this year, Spain is not the country with the highest number of fires, trailing Italy and France.

In the Extremadura region, seven of Spain’s 48 major fires occurred, affecting 8,837 hectares. The Pinofranqueado fire was the largest in the region, accounting for over 40% of the area burned by these major fires. Other significant fires recorded in the country include massive incidents in La Mierla, Niebla, and the Burgohondo-Sierra Oeste complex in Madrid.

Environmental biologist Alberto Puig warns that changing climatic realities are increasing the aggressiveness and unpredictability of these fires. Meanwhile, local incidents continue, such as a recent fire in La Pasadilla, Telde, which affected approximately 4,300 square meters.