More than 262,000 hectares burned by wildfires across Spain this year

Spain has recorded 43 major forest fires this year, while a change in the weather could bring some relief to fire-hit areas this weekend

Spain has seen more than 262,000 hectares of land affected by wildfires since the start of the year, according to provisional figures covering the period up to August 20.

The latest figures also show that 43 major forest fires, classed as fires affecting more than 500 hectares, have been recorded across the country so far in 2026.

While the figures are still below last year's exceptionally high levels, the scale of the fires remains a concern as Spain continues through the main wildfire risk period.

Environment Minister Sara Aagesen has thanked the emergency services and other teams working to bring the fires under control, including forest firefighters, medical teams, the Guardia Civil and scientists.

She also pointed to the change in weather expected this weekend, with temperatures set to fall across much of Spain and rain becoming more likely in northern and north-eastern areas.

However, the risk has not gone away.

Aagesen stressed that Spain is still in the wildfire danger period and urged people to show "the utmost caution and responsibility" while spending time outdoors.

Spain accounts for almost half of EU fire damage

The European Commission's Copernicus wildfire information system puts the area affected by fires in Spain at 296,999 hectares up to August 19. That represents around 48.1% of the total area affected by wildfires across the European Union, which has recorded 616,202 hectares.

Spain has also recorded 422 fires so far this year, putting it second among EU countries. Italy has recorded 448, while France has registered 355.

There is, however, one encouraging sign in the latest national figures. On August 17, the area affected by forest fires finally dropped below the figure recorded on the same date last year.

At that point, Spain had recorded 254,730 hectares affected in 2026, compared with 295,580 hectares in 2025.

Last summer saw a dramatic escalation in August. Between August 5 and August 19, the area burned jumped from 45,221 hectares to 367,520 hectares.

The year eventually ended with 393,079 hectares burned, making 2025 Spain's worst year for wildfire damage since 1994.

With cooler conditions and rain now forecast in parts of the country, there could be some welcome relief. But with wildfire season still underway, authorities are warning that it's far too early to let our guard down.

Image 1:DEFENSA FORESTAL MURCIA
Image 2: 112 Comunidad de Madrid