# Global wildfire activity and environmental impact

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/global-wildfire-activity-and-environmental-impact
> Updated: 2026-08-31T23:31:14.000Z. Sources: 4. Developments: 2.

Global wildfire activity has seen significant escalation, with reports indicating approximately 112.3 million hectares burned worldwide as of August 1, 2026. This figure includes uncontrolled wildfires as well as prescribed and agricultural burns. Africa has been identified as the epicenter of this activity, accounting for more than half of the total burned land, with the Democratic Republic of Congo, Angola, and South Sudan among the most affected regions.

Further analysis indicates that environmental factors, specifically the El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO), are exacerbating droughts and extreme weather, increasing the frequency and severity of these events. Beyond land loss, the rising wildfire activity is placing unprecedented pressure on animal health and welfare, threatening critical habitats and livestock production globally.

## Claims

- The world is facing increasingly complex animal health risks driven by climate change and shifting ecosystems. (corroborated by 4 sources)
- In 2024, wildfires burned approximately 2.6 million hectares of the Pantanal. (corroborated by 4 sources)
- An estimated 335 million hectares burned worldwide in 2025. (corroborated by 4 sources)
- The El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) is increasing the risk and severity of wildfires in 2026. (corroborated by 4 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-08-31: Wildfires pose growing risks to global animal health and welfare

The State of the World’s Animal Health 2026 report warns that increasing wildfires and ENSO-driven droughts are severely impacting global animal welfare, ecosystems, and livestock production.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/wildfires-pose-growing-risks-to-global-animal-health-and-welfare

### 2026-08-13: Global wildfire activity burns 112 million hectares in 2026

Global wildfires have burned 112.3 million hectares in 2026, with Africa serving as the epicenter and the EU seeing over 554,000 hectares lost due to intense heat and forest fires.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/global-wildfire-activity-burns-112-million-hectares-in-2026

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Cite as: Global wildfire activity and environmental impact. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/global-wildfire-activity-and-environmental-impact