Portugal wildfires cause €85 million damage and trigger Europe‑wide evacuations

In 2025 Portugal recorded 8,252 rural fires that burned about 271,000 ha, with 44 large fires accounting for 91 % of the area. Direct economic losses exceeded €85 million, mainly affecting pine (≈ €52 M), eucalyptus (≈ €11 M) and cork oak (≈ €1.1 M). Prevention and combat spending reached €600 million and the fires released 3.6 million tonnes of carbon. The Quercus environmental group warned that landscape homogenisation and insufficient preventive management keep the territory vulnerable.

Across the border, wildfires forced the evacuation of more than 140,000 people – around 110,000 in southern France and the remainder in Spain. Both governments asked the EU for assistance; France deployed the army and Spain declared a national emergency. Extreme heat, low humidity and strong winds amplified the blaze, which scientists link to climate change.

The World Health Organization’s European office reported a 57 % rise in wildfires over the past four years, with 2.2 million ha burned last year. Smoke travelling hundreds of kilometres threatens public health, worsening cardiovascular, respiratory and mental conditions, especially among the elderly, children, pregnant women and those with chronic illnesses. Authorities urged protective measures such as staying indoors, using masks and avoiding unnecessary travel.