Key facts
- Nearly 50,000 hectares have been burned in Spain due to wildfires in 2026.
- June was the most destructive month, with 15,900 hectares lost.
- Cantabria is the most affected region, with around 15,500 hectares burned.
- Spain has recorded 14 major forest fires, each burning over 500 hectares.
- The European Union has seen approximately 130,400 hectares burned, exceeding the historical average.
Spain's 2026 wildfire season is intensifying, with nearly 50,000 hectares burned according to estimates from the European Forest Fire Information System (EFFIS). The Ministry for Ecological Transition (Miteco) reports a slightly lower figure of 39,700 hectares burned up to June 21, based on regional data. June has been the most destructive month, accounting for 15,900 hectares lost. The region of Cantabria stands out, with approximately 15,500 hectares burned, a figure higher than historically affected areas like Ourense, Zamora, and León. Spain has recorded 14 major forest fires, defined as those burning over 500 hectares, so far this year. These major blazes, though a small fraction of total fires, cause significant damage. The wildfire phenomenon is not limited to Spain; across the European Union, around 130,400 hectares have burned, which is 16% above the usual amount for this period. Countries like Slovakia and Estonia have seen significantly higher figures than their historical averages, and Portugal has activated the European Civil Protection Mechanism due to its fires.