Mediterranean forest fire crises

In 2025, Albania experienced a severe wave of forest and woodland fires that burned more than 33,500 hectares, inflicting roughly €77 million in direct economic losses. The damage was concentrated in the southern Vlora district, while human activity and extreme drought were identified as the main drivers.

Two years later, in July 2026, Algeria was struck by a separate, lethal wildfire outbreak that swept large swaths of forested land, caused dozens of fatalities and left large areas inaccessible to media and authorities. The incident underscored growing challenges in emergency response and information access across the region.

Together, these events illustrate a pattern of escalating wildfire threats throughout the Mediterranean basin, linked to climate‑driven dryness and human factors, and raising concerns about preparedness and resilience in neighboring countries.