Spain faces record forest fire devastation in 2026

Spain has experienced a catastrophic wildfire season in 2026, with forest area affected reaching 279,413 hectares—a 137.2% increase over the decadal average. According to Ministry for Ecological Transition data, the country recorded 8,767 fires, an 8.5% increase over the last decade. Copernicus reports that Spain accounted for 43% of all forest area burned in the European Union this summer.

Major incidents included the Niebla fire in Huelva, which affected 39,821 hectares, and the Burgohondo fire in Ávila, affecting 33,943 hectares. The scale of these events has prompted calls for improved prevention and territorial adaptation to fire risks.

In Galicia, the regional Parliament has unanimously approved an initiative to demand better working conditions for firefighting brigades. Workers have reported significant deficiencies in food and hydration during long shifts. The proposal seeks to establish a common protocol to ensure adequate nutrition and hydration tailored to the physical demands of the job, addressing long-standing logistical issues reported during previous fire seasons.