Scorching Temperatures and Drought Fuel the Spread of Wildfires in Europe

Extreme temperatures and a lack of rainfall have created highly favorable conditions for fires to spread across many European countries, leaving the continent facing one of its most difficult wildfire seasons.

Experts explain that the heat has dried out vegetation to such an extent that it has become a “powder keg,” where even a small spark is enough to ignite large-scale fires. A wet winter has also contributed to the worsening situation by encouraging the growth of new vegetation and consequently increasing the amount of combustible material.

Figures from the European Forest Fire Information System (EFFIS) show that the area affected by fires this year is larger than the average recorded over the same period in previous years. However, as of July 22, the area burned across the continent was slightly smaller than in 2025, which is described as the worst year for wildfires ever documented.

France is experiencing the most alarming situation. Since the beginning of the year, more than 300 fires have been recorded in the country, more than three times the annual average of 93 fires.

Experts link the worsening of this phenomenon to the climate crisis, which is causing temperatures to rise and dry periods to last longer. As a result, moisture levels in the soil and vegetation are falling significantly, allowing flames to spread rapidly.

The French weather service Météo-France reports that soil moisture in France has fallen to the lowest level ever measured for this time of year, further increasing the risks posed by the wildfire season.