As Wildfires Spread North, UN Agencies Race to Help Europe Adapt

As the climate warms, the threat of wildfires is spreading in Europe. Human activity is a significant cause of the wildfires breaking out across the continent, but their spread, speed, and intensity are strongly influenced by warmer, drier conditions linked to climate change and changing land use. According to the European Forest Fire Information System, more than 600,000 hectares of land have burned within EU countries in the first eight months of 2026. This figure, while below the area recorded by the same date in 2025 (the worst year on record), far exceeds the 20-year average of around 280,000 hectares. Preparing for wildfires is increasingly critical, according to UN agencies.

Historically fire-prone countries like France and Spain have seen most of the fires, but extremely dry conditions are now elevating wildfire risks in Western and Central Europe, including the UK and southern Scandinavia. The developing El Niño phenomenon may further exacerbate these risks by influencing temperatures and rainfall patterns.

Countries with a history of wildfires are experiencing larger and more frequent blazes over extended periods. Meanwhile, traditionally cooler or wetter regions are also gearing up to face the prospect of wildfires. For instance, a wildfire in the Cairngorms mountains of Scotland in mid-July was fueled by exceptionally dry conditions, penetrating the dry peat layer and causing persistent hotspots. Over 500 firefighters were deployed to combat the blaze, which threatened the village of Nethy Bridge, leading to evacuation orders for its 600 residents. One resident noted the fortunate wind direction that kept the fire away from properties, highlighting the precarious nature of the situation.