- BIST10011,518+0.77%
- USD49.55+0.21%
- EUR55.57-0.09%
- GOLD4,138.70-0.51%
- INTEREST37.00%-1.00
- BITCOIN81,406-0.54%
- October 20, 20267°
- BIST10011,518+0.77%
- USD49.55+0.21%
- EUR55.57-0.09%
- GOLD4,138.70-0.51%
- INTEREST37.00%-1.00
- BITCOIN81,406-0.54%
- October 20, 20267°
EU forest fires destroy 435,000 hectares; damage in Turkey declines
While forest fires in the EU this year burned 25% more land than last year, Turkey saw a significant decrease in burned area during the same period.
Since the beginning of 2025, forest fires in European Union (EU) countries have caused widespread destruction, fueled by extreme heat driven by climate change. According to data released by the European Forest Fire Information System as of July 29, a total of 434,976 hectares have turned to ash.
This corresponds to an area of approximately 4,350 square kilometers. The burned area is 1.7 times the size of Luxembourg and 14 times the size of Malta.
Fires intensified in July
Particularly last July, the number of fires rose markedly, and forest cover suffered heavy losses. The area damaged this year is about 2.5 times the long-term average for 2006-2025. The number of forest fires recorded in the same period also climbed to 1,407, exceeding twice the average.
Spain hardest hit
Among EU countries, Spain was the hardest hit by the fires. In Spain, 208,420 hectares burned, accounting for nearly half of the total burned area across the bloc. France followed with 91,024 hectares. Italy and Portugal were also among the countries severely affected by the fires.
Turkey's fire damage declines
Data from the General Directorate of Forestry, however, indicated a different trend in Turkey. Last year, 57,005 hectares burned between January 1 and July 29, while this year only 1,867 hectares were burned in the same period. The number of fires also dropped from 1,916 to 1,032.
Stay Updated with Ally Daily
Subscribe to be informed about special news, developments and announcements. We will keep you informed.
By signing up, you agree to our Privacy Policy
