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Europe's Wildfires: New Study Urges Proactive Management as Spain and Portugal Burn

Record-breaking wildfires in Spain and Portugal this summer highlight the urgent need for proactive management. A new study shows that fires are becoming more frequent and costly globally, with Europe being particularly affected.

In this picture at the top we have grass, mountains and greenery & in the bottom image we have...
In this picture at the top we have grass, mountains and greenery & in the bottom image we have vehicles on the road with fire.

Europe's Wildfires: New Study Urges Proactive Management as Spain and Portugal Burn

A new study underscores the urgent need for fire adaptation and proactive management, as wildfires in Europe, particularly in Spain and Portugal, have caused unprecedented damage in recent years. Climate change and land mismanagement have exacerbated the situation, making these fires more frequent and costly.

In 2025 alone, Spain experienced over 4,000 square kilometers of burned land, while Portugal saw nearly 2,800 square kilometers. These figures are the largest recorded in recent years and highlight the severity of the issue. The study, published in Science, reveals that wildfires have become more frequent and disastrous globally over the past 44 years, with nearly half of the most damaging events occurring in the past decade. In Europe, wildfire events and damage costs have increased substantially, with Mediterranean forests being among the most fire-prone biomes.

To tackle this, the study emphasizes the need for managing fuels through targeted prescribed burning and initiatives to help citizens affected by fires. It also stresses the importance of proactive fire management and adaptation to mitigate the risks posed by these devastating fires.

The record amount of fire destruction across Europe this summer, with Spain and Portugal bearing the brunt, serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for action. The study's findings underscore the necessity for proactive management, adaptation, and support for affected citizens to combat the escalating threat of wildfires.

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