- Climate change made the weather that fueled Europe’s recent wildfires at least twice as likely in France and at least 20 times as likely in Spain, scientists at the World Weather Attribution group said on Friday.
- Emergency crews have faced barely a pause between heatwaves and fire fronts this summer across an increasingly tinder-dry Europe, the world's fastest warming continent.
- Firefighters work to suppress a fire near Ares, during wildfires in southwestern France, July 28, 2026.
- The global climate is around 1.4C warmer than in the pre-industrial era, amplifying the chances of the very dry, hot, windy conditions that caused the fires to spread out of control.
Climate change has significantly increased the likelihood of wildfires in Europe, with scientists indicating that conditions in France are now at least twice as likely to spark fires, while in Spain, the risk has surged to 20 times greater due to a 1.4C rise in global temperatures since the pre-industrial era.1
The World Weather Attribution group highlighted that the current climate crisis has led to increasingly dry and windy conditions, which are critical factors in the spread of wildfires. Emergency crews across Europe have faced relentless heatwaves and fire fronts, making the continent the fastest warming region globally.2
As wildfires rage, local communities are stepping up to assist firefighters. For instance, Jonathan Segalas-Talous, a pastry chef in Lanton, France, has volunteered to help save his village from advancing flames. The situation remains dire, with firefighters battling blazes in both France and Spain, where aerial support is also deployed to combat the infernos.
The urgency of addressing climate change is underscored by these alarming statistics, as the world grapples with the escalating impacts of a warming planet on natural disasters.
“The global climate is around 1.4C warmer than in the pre-industrial era, increasing the chances of dry, hot conditions that exacerbate wildfires. Emergency crews are facing continuous challenges as they battle fires across an increasingly tinder-dry Europe, highlighting the urgent need for climate action.”
