In 2025, European forests faced major wildfires

The year 2025 is remembered as the most severe season in history for forest fires in Europe. This was reported by Zamin.uz.

Since the beginning of the year, more than one million hectares of forest area in the European Union have been engulfed in flames. This situation has caused significant damage to nature and ecological systems.

According to statistics from “Euronews,” the area affected by fires has increased fourfold compared to last year. Experts compare the damaged area to the size of the island of Corsica.

This year, over 1800 fires were recorded in European forests, releasing more than 38 million tons of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. Among the 27 EU member states, only the Czech Republic, Estonia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, and Malta were not affected by fires.

The highest number of fires occurred in Italy and Romania, with over 450 cases recorded in each country. Additionally, significant ecological losses were observed in Spain and Portugal.

In Spain, more than 400 thousand hectares, and in Portugal over 260 thousand hectares of forest burned to ashes. This accounts for approximately 3 percent of Portugal’s territory.

Experts believe that the main causes of the fires are extreme heat and prolonged drought. Climate change and high temperatures create conditions for rapid fire spread.

Even a small spark can turn into a large fire, posing a serious threat to humans and nature. To prevent fires, scientists and ecologists recommend regularly clearing bushes, removing dry and dying plants, and properly organizing livestock farming.

Moreover, it is important to consider that even after a fire is extinguished, its consequences—especially smoke and respiratory diseases—continue to pose health risks. Thus, 2025 has been recorded as a record year for Europe in terms of the number of forest fires and the area damaged.

Although the season is not yet over, the threat to nature and the population remains. Strengthening fire prevention measures and ensuring ecological safety are of great importance.