The current wave of forest fires in Spain is already shaping up to be the most devastating since 1994, when 437,602 hectares were burned, according to data from the Ministry of Environment of the aforementioned country.
So far in 2025, the European Forest Fire Information System (EFFIS), part of the Copernicus program, estimates that 382,607 hectares have been lost in 228 active fire spots, a number that continues to grow as the social and environmental impact worsens in regions such as Galicia, Asturias, Castilla y León, and Extremadura.
Territorial vulnerability and rural abandonment: factors exacerbating the risk
Except for Extremadura, the regions most affected by fires coincide with the most aging and depopulated areas of the country.
This situation directly affects forest management, as the abandonment of practices such as extensive livestock farming prevents forests from naturally staying clean during winter and spring, increasing the fuel load and the risk of spreading.
August, a critical month: five of the ten largest fires of the century happened in two weeks
In the last 15 days of August, five of the ten largest forest fires of the century in Spain have been recorded:
- A Rúa (Orense): 44,424 hectares
- Uña de Quintana (Zamora): 40,781 hectares
- Benuza (León): 32,596 hectares
- Manzaneda (Orense): 28,485 hectares
- Oímbra (Orense): 28,485 hectares
The paradox is that, although there are fewer large fires (over 500 hectares), they spread more rapidly due to extreme weather conditions. So far this year, Spain has already counted 52 major fires, a number that was only surpassed in 2022.
At the European level, the situation is also critical. In total, 899,400 hectares of forest have burned, with countries like Slovakia multiplying their historical average by 10 for this time of year, and Cyprus by seven. These data reflect a regional trend that demands coordinated and urgent responses.
Official statements and emergency measures
From the advanced command post in La Granja, in Cáceres, the Prime Minister announced that the first emergency zones will be established in the affected territories. “Difficult hours lie ahead, let’s not be complacent,” he said alongside the President of Extremadura, María Guardiola.
“Every year the climate emergency worsens,” warned the leader, who will propose in September a legislative initiative to the scientific community, unions, and institutions, with the aim of reaching a National Pact against the generalization of extreme phenomena caused by the temperature rise.
Heatwave and public health: over 1,100 deaths attributed in August
The heatwave that affected Spain between August 3 and 18 resulted in 1,149 attributable deaths, according to estimates from the Carlos III Health Institute (ISCIII). It was one of the most prolonged episodes in five decades, with direct consequences on health and territory.
The monitoring system MoMo, which analyzes daily mortality concerning historical trends, calculated that the excess deaths in those 16 days are related to extreme temperatures. Although it cannot establish absolute causality, the figures represent the best available approximation of the impact of the climatic phenomenon.
July was also critical: over 1,000 heat-related deaths
The case of August adds to that of July, when MoMo had already attributed 1,060 heat-related deaths, representing an increase of over 50% compared to 2024.
These data reinforce the need for comprehensive public policies addressing the climate emergency from the perspectives of health, territory, and risk prevention.
