Europe Wildfires 2026: 42,000 Acres Gone, 10,000 Evacuated and Temperatures Still Rising
The numbers are hard to process. In just 72 hours, the Europe wildfires 2026 have torn through more than 42,000 acres across southern Europe, an area more than twice the size of Manhattan, and the worst is not over yet. Forecasters expect temperatures to hit 40°C again across the region over the coming days, and European authorities are now openly warning that the summer of 2026 could be the continent’s most destructive wildfire season on record.
“Climate change is here, we are living the consequences and it is only the start of July,” said French fire service Colonel Eric Belgioino on Sunday, as hundreds of firefighters battled simultaneous blazes across four countries, according to Deutsche Welle.
Which Countries Are Affected by the Europe Wildfires 2026?
Six countries are currently dealing with active wildfires or direct consequences from the ongoing crisis. Here is the situation in each as of July 6, 2026:
Country | Situation |
France | 10,000+ evacuated near Perpignan, Tour de France stage closed to spectators |
Portugal | 30,000 acres burned in Vouzela, 1,200 firefighters deployed |
Spain | 5,400 acres burned in Costa Brava, 50,000 people ordered to evacuate or shelter |
Greece | Wildfires near Athens and Thessaloniki, toxic smoke forces indoor shelter advisory |
Croatia | Major fire on the island of Hvar destroying forest and vineyards |
Albania | Active wildfire reported in Tale, adding to the regional emergency |
France: Tour de France Disrupted, 10,000 Evacuated
Near Perpignan in southwestern France, a wildfire described as “gigantic” has nearly tripled in size since Sunday. Consequently, authorities evacuated over 10,500 residents, with 700 firefighters and aircraft battling the blaze in a remote mountainous area. Tour de France race directors then banned all spectators from the third stage through the Pyrenees. “An exceptional fire calls for exceptional measures,” said race director Christian Prudhomme. Currently, seven French departments remain on very high fire risk alert.
Portugal: Worst Blaze in the Region
Portugal’s Vouzela wildfire has been burning since Thursday, consuming 12,000 hectares across three municipalities. In response, emergency services deployed 1,200 firefighters, 400 vehicles, and 15 aircraft. Spain and Italy also sent reinforcements after Portugal requested EU assistance. The fire injured nine people and spread 35 kilometers before reaching 80% containment by Sunday, though active hotspots remain.
Spain: Costa Brava Tourist Area Under Threat
A wildfire burning since Friday in the northeastern Girona region has consumed over 2,200 hectares near the popular Costa Brava coast. As a result, authorities ordered evacuation or shelter-in-place for nearly 50,000 people across 10 municipalities. Furthermore, a separate fire days earlier in the same region killed a 12-year-old boy and his father, making this one of the deadliest stretches of the season so far.
Greece: Toxic Smoke Over Thessaloniki, New Blaze Near Athens
Wildfires near Thessaloniki destroyed two factories and sent toxic smoke across several suburbs, prompting indoor shelter advisories for thousands of residents. Meanwhile, a separate blaze broke out Sunday in the Mandra area west of Athens, with 210 firefighters and 29 aircraft deployed. Notably, Greece’s fire department noted that 85% of wildfires are caused by negligence. “This means most of them could have been avoided,” said fire department spokesman Brigadier Ioannis Artopoios.
Why Are Europe’s Wildfires So Bad in 2026?
The Europe wildfires 2026 follow one of the worst heatwaves in June, during which thousands of excess deaths were registered. Scientists confirmed that heatwave would have been “virtually impossible” without climate change. According to the EU Forest Fire Information System (EFFIS), the total burned area across the EU has already reached 118,737 hectares in 2026, which is 16% above the 20-year average, with extreme wildfire conditions forecast to continue through August.
What Happens Next?
Forecasters expect temperatures to climb back to 40°C or above in France, Spain, and Portugal over the coming days, with the heatwave pushing northward into central Europe by mid-week. Accordingly, all affected countries have stepped up heat and fire alerts, and EU member states are keeping firefighting resources on standby. As this heatwave pushes east, Pakistan is already experiencing its own extreme weather — our Monsoon 2026 Pakistan guide covers what to expect in the coming weeks.
Think Pakistan is far from this? Europe’s climate crisis is directly connected to Pakistan’s own extreme weather patterns — what do you think about the rising global temperatures? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
Last updated July 6, 2026 by the Chokus.pk global desk, based on reports from AP, Reuters, Deutsche Welle, and Euronews.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which countries are affected by Europe wildfires in 2026?
France, Portugal, Spain, and Greece are the worst affected, with additional fires reported in Croatia and Albania as of July 6, 2026.
How many acres have burned in Europe wildfires 2026?
Over 42,000 acres (19,000 hectares) have burned across southern Europe, an area more than twice the size of Manhattan.
Why are Europe wildfires 2026 so severe?
A record-breaking June heatwave, extreme drought conditions, and climate change have combined to create the most dangerous wildfire conditions Europe has seen this early in the season in decades.
Is the Tour de France affected by the wildfires?
Yes. The third stage of the Tour de France was closed to spectators after a wildfire near the route in the French Pyrenees threatened the area.
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