Archive · 14 Aug 2025
Europe's Wildfire Season Scorches Double Average, Evacuations Ordered
Europe is experiencing a very bad wildfire season.
More land has burned this year than usual.
The weather is making things worse, with high temperatures and little rain expected.
In Greece, people are being forced to leave their homes because the fires are getting too close.
Firefighters are working hard to put out the fires, but it's a difficult situation.
Wildfires have burned over double the average area in Europe this year.
Authorities have recorded 1,628 fires since January 1, exceeding last year's count.
Extreme fire weather conditions are expected across much of Europe.
Mass evacuations were ordered in Patras, Greece due to spreading wildfires.
Firefighters are battling numerous blazes across Greece with 10,000 hectares burned in two days.
- Who
- Firefighters, residents, and authorities.
- What
- Wildfires in Europe have burned double the average area, causing evacuations.
- When
- During a heatwave, with extreme fire risk expected into September.
- Where
- Across Europe, with a focus on Greece and the Iberian Peninsula.
- Why
- Due to a combination of factors including high temperatures, potential for arson, and dry conditions.
Authorities
Residents
Fire Resources
Authorities
Firefighting efforts in Patras are hampered by a lack of resources.
Residents
The causes of the fires
- Area Burned
- 439,568 hectares
- Number of Fires (Jan 1 Onward)
- 1,628
- Fire Weather Risk
- Extreme to very extreme
- Location of Mass Evacuations
- Patras, Greece
- Hectares Burned in Greece (2 Days)
- Approximately 10,000
Sources
Volunteer firefighter dies as wildfires rage across heat-stricken Spain
Wildfires scorch Greece for a second day, thousands evacuated
Volunteer firefighter dies in Spain as wildfires rage
Wildfires fanned by heatwave rage across Europe, burning houses and factories
Wildfires fanned by heatwave and strong winds rage across Europe, burning houses and factories
'Cooked alive': Europe's wildfires hit tourism spots and forests
Wildfires fanned by heatwave and strong winds rage across Europe
Spain seeks help from European partners to tackle wildfires
Wildfires sweep southern Europe, killing at least 3, forcing mass evacuations