Photo: Reuters
According to the European Forest Fire Information System (EFFIS), there have been 1,254 forest fires in Europe since the beginning of 2026. The fires have already destroyed more than 254,000 hectares of forest, and carbon dioxide emissions have exceeded 8.3 million metric tons, Euronews reports.
This summer, major fires swept through France, Germany, Greece, Spain, and Portugal. Firefighters lost their lives while battling the blazes in France and Italy.
The WHO noted that the situation is deteriorating particularly rapidly on the Iberian Peninsula. In Spain and Portugal, the number of wildfires since the beginning of the year has been roughly double that of the same period last year.
“As climate change leads to global warming, we need to prepare for more frequent and more intense wildfires,” said Hans Kluge, director of the WHO Regional Office for Europe.
The organization emphasizes that the consequences of the fires extend far beyond the areas affected by the flames. Smoke can travel hundreds of kilometers, degrading air quality in neighboring countries. It contains fine particulate matter (PM2.5), nitrogen dioxide, ozone, and other hazardous substances. When residential buildings burn, toxic compounds from plastics, furniture, electronics, and building materials are also released into the atmosphere.
According to Kluge, air pollution from wildfires increases the risk of cardiovascular and respiratory diseases and can also negatively affect mental health. Children, older adults, pregnant women, and people with chronic illnesses are the most vulnerable.
The WHO has called on governments to warn the public about wildfires, air quality, and weather conditions, as well as to ensure access to medical care. Residents of affected areas are advised to follow the authorities’ instructions, avoid traveling to areas with smoke, and use protective masks if necessary.
According to EFFIS, in 2025 alone, fires destroyed approximately 2.2 million hectares of land in Europe, one of the highest figures in recent years.
