Wildfires in Spain burn ten times more land than last year

Data from the European Forest Fire Information System (EFFIS), part of the Copernicus European Environmental Monitoring Programme, shows that 411,315 hectares of forest and rural land have burned in Spain so far this year — roughly ten times more than the 42,615 hectares affected in 2024.

EFFIS statistics indicate that 252 separate wildfires have been recorded across the country this year, with the most intense fires concentrated in northern and western regions. Around Leon, flames continue to burn in 14 locations.

The Interior Ministry has announced that since June, investigations have been opened against 133 people suspected of causing wildfires, with 45 individuals taken into custody.

Portugal

In neighbouring Portugal, also battling wildfires on the Iberian Peninsula, more than 250,000 hectares have burned so far in July and August according to the report.

In the Arganil region, fires that began on 13 August and affected three municipalities have consumed 64,000 hectares, described by officials as the largest area ever recorded in the country.

After weeks of intense firefighting, Portugal has seen a calmer start to the week in terms of wildfire activity.

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