More than 655,000 hectares have burned across Europe so far in 2026.

Omissions

• The Joint Research Centre notes that the area burned by the same date in 2025 was higher, making 2025 the worst year on record; the 2026 figure, while above 655,000 hectares, is below the 2025 record for the same period.
• EFFIS figures cover the wider EFFIS geographical coverage (Europe and the Mediterranean), not strictly the EU-27; a separate EU-only figure would be somewhat lower.

Sources

• PrimaryEuropean Commission – Joint Research Centre, Current wildfire situation in Europe"As of 16 September 2026, the area affected by fires has reached 668 035 hectares. This is below the area recorded by the same date in 2025 (the worst year on ...)" and "As of 9 September 2026, the area affected by fires has reached 666 534 hectares."
• PrimaryEFFIS – Welcome to EFFIS (Copernicus Emergency Management Service)EFFIS Burned Area (ha, Year-to-Date). Total EU Countries. Mapped 716226 (53% forest); Estimated 753922. Total EFFIS Coverage. Mapped ...