Europe’s wildfires 2026

As wildfires devastate parts of Europe, Euroconsumers members in Spain, Italy, Portugal and Belgium are standing with affected communities by doing what they do best – advising, guiding and supporting people who have faced such overwhelming trauma and loss. 

Forest fires have been raging across many parts of Europe this summer, leaving behind them the trauma of losing homes, livelihoods and friends and family. 

The extreme heat, wind, and lack of rainfall have created dire conditions in which wildfires can rapidly spread and engulf villages, towns, businesses and infrastructure. 

The official European Forest Fire Information System (EFFIS) reports that the 434,976 hectares have burned from roughly 1,407 fires in the EU – that’s almost three times as much as the recent 20-year average for this time of year. 

Our members have been offering trusted advice, guidance and support to people enduring profound hardship and loss. 

Wildfire crisis in Spain: “Estamos contigo”

Spain has had the deadliest fire so far this year, in Almeria, Andalusia, which resulted in 22 fatalities and more than 1,400 people being evacuated from the local villages. There have also been huge blazes in the Guadalajara area where 90% of the Sierra Norte nature reserve has been burnt, and in the central Madrid region where over 60,000 people were evacuated. 

As with the deadly floods that Spain experienced in 2024, OCU’s key message again is ‘estamos contigo’ or ‘we stand with you’ starting with a dedicated website with advice and support. 

OCU has launched a free assistance hotline for anyone affected by wildfires, and issued guidance on how to deal with insurance claims as people start to recover and rebuild.  

Experts advise on what insurance actually covers, deadlines and processes for filing claims and how to seek redress if things aren’t handled properly. 

OCU have also highlighted the lack of public insurance schemes to cover citizens and called for financial assistance for everyone affected. 

Wildfire crisis in Portugal: clearing vegetation can help minimize fire risk

The intense heatwaves across Europe saw temperatures exceed 40 degrees in some parts of Portugal, which experienced a wildfire in Vouzela that destroyed around 30,00 hectares and had 13 regions on high fire alert. 

DECO PROteste’s forest fire safety awareness started earlier in Spring, reminding people of how they can minimise or prevent fires. It’s mandatory for some home and land owners to manage vegetation within a 50m radius of their home by removing the most flammable vegetation, or clearing out any easily combustible materials.

Wildfire crisis: support in Belgium and Italy

Wildfire activity in Sicily spiked in late July, with heat surpassing 40°C and gusty winds. Officials reported hundreds of fires and dispatched around 6,000 responders. Parts of Italy remain at risk, our Italian member Altroconsumo has published this guide to claiming insurance for those affected. 

Meanwhile, Belgian member Testachats/Testaankoop has advice for visitors who might be heading out on holiday to areas at risk of wildfire, and what their insurance may or may not cover. be holiday makers 

Are wildfires here to stay?

Large scale wildfires are becoming an increasing part of a hotter world and are bringing the climate crisis frighteningly close to home for many people. 

Euroconsumers will continue to support people caught in the devastating impact of wildfires, and advocate for policies that will create a safer, stable climate for consumers. 

Find weekly fire danger forecasts from European Forest Fire Information System here.