2025 EU wildfire season sets record with over one million hectares burned

by Featured NewsResearchWildland Fire

Wildfire season sets EU record for burnt area

The European Union recorded its most destructive wildfire season in 2025, with over one million hectares burned across Member States and activity peaking during summer heatwaves.

The Joint Research Centre reported that satellite analysis from the European Forest Fire Information System (EFFIS) showed 1,079,538 hectares burned within the EU.

The total rises to 2,242,195 hectares when including areas across Europe, the Middle East and North Africa monitored by EFFIS.

The fire season began early, with more than 100,000 hectares burned by the end of March.

Fire activity increased from June and reached its highest levels in August as large fires spread across Mediterranean countries.

A heatwave in early August triggered 22 very large fires in Portugal and Spain, burning 460,585 hectares which accounted for 43% of the EU total.

In total, 7,783 fires were recorded across 25 of the 27 EU Member States, with Luxembourg and Malta the only countries unaffected.

Germany, Spain, Cyprus and Slovakia each recorded their highest burnt area since EFFIS records began in 2006.

Burnt area across the EU was nearly double the average recorded between 2006 and 2024.

Around 39% of the total burnt area occurred within Natura 2000 protected sites, equating to 424,023 hectares.

Monitoring and response measures for wildfire risk

The Joint Research Centre outlined that EFFIS continues to support authorities with monitoring and preparedness through satellite-based wildfire data.

The 2025 season reflects a pattern of earlier fire starts, more frequent heatwaves and fires occurring at higher latitudes than previously observed.

Outside the EU, Ukraine accounted for almost 30% of the total burnt area and 39% of mapped fires within the wider monitored region.

The European Commission adopted a new integrated approach to wildfire risk management on 25 March 2026, covering prevention, preparedness, response and recovery.

The framework includes plans to improve early warning systems and fire mapping through expanded satellite data availability.

EFFIS forms part of the Copernicus Emergency Management Service and provides standardised wildfire data across Europe.

The EU Civil Protection Mechanism (UCPM) coordinates firefighting resources from Member States and participating countries.

Seasonal measures include prepositioning firefighters in high-risk areas and maintaining a shared aerial firefighting fleet under rescEU.

The Commission has allocated funding for 12 firefighting planes and five helicopters to expand the permanent rescEU fleet, with aircraft based across several European countries.

These measures sit alongside ongoing efforts to strengthen wildfire monitoring and response capacity across the region.

EU chemical detection deployment expands via rescEU stockpile programme

by Aerial FirefightingFeatured NewsFire Detection

Chemical detection devices deployed across EU via rescEU project

908 Devices Inc. has reported that its handheld chemical detection devices are now part of the European Union’s rescEU disaster preparedness stockpile.

According to 908 Devices, multiple units have been delivered over the past six months to emergency response agencies in the Czech Republic and Finland.

The devices, used for identifying chemical substances on-site, form part of a strategic reserve funded by the EU to improve response to chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) emergencies.

Czech Fire Brigade receives XplorIR and ThreatID devices

908 Devices stated that the Czech Fire Brigade has acquired 12 handheld chemical detection devices under the rescEU initiative.

The organisation received two types of devices: XplorIR, which identifies and quantifies over 5,000 gases and vapours, and ThreatID, which identifies more than 28,600 unknown solids, liquids and gases.

The Czech Fire Brigade operates as part of the national integrated emergency rescue system.

Finland expands chemical preparedness with ProtectIR analyzers

The company noted that the Finnish rescEU project acquired a quantity of ProtectIR handheld FTIR analyzers, designed to identify over 23,000 solid and liquid chemicals.

Initial shipments were completed in Q4 2024, with remaining deliveries finalised in Q1 2025.

According to 908 Devices, the Finnish project involves the National Emergency Supply Agency, Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, Radiation and Nuclear Safety Authority, and Ministries of the Interior and Social Affairs and Health.

Chemical detection highlighted as key to response capabilities

Kevin J. Knopp, CEO and Co-Founder of 908 Devices, said: “The ability to rapidly identify unknown threats in the field is critical to modern disaster response.”

Knopp added: “We are proud to support efforts to equip frontline teams across Europe with advanced chemical detection technologies.”

EU chemical detection deployment expands via rescEU stockpile programme: Summary

908 Devices reported that its handheld chemical detection devices have been integrated into the EU’s rescEU disaster stockpile programme.

The Czech Fire Brigade received 12 devices from two product lines: XplorIR and ThreatID.

XplorIR detects over 5,000 gases and vapours.

ThreatID identifies more than 28,600 chemical substances in various states.

Finland’s rescEU initiative acquired a large number of ProtectIR analyzers.

ProtectIR devices identify over 23,000 solid and liquid chemicals.

Partial shipments to Finland took place in Q4 2024.

Remaining units were delivered in Q1 2025.

Finnish agencies involved include the National Emergency Supply Agency and multiple ministries.

The devices are intended for use in CBRN response scenarios.

908 Devices stated that rapid chemical detection supports emergency preparedness.

EU sends aircraft to Greece to combat northern Peloponnese wildfires

by Aerial FirefightingFeatured NewsWildland Fire

Wildfires in Greece prompt EU Civil Protection Mechanism activation

As reported by Directorate-General for European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (ECHO), wildfires have erupted across Greece, particularly in the northern Peloponnese region.

In response to Greece’s request through the EU Civil Protection Mechanism on 1 October 2024, the EU has swiftly mobilised aircraft to assist in firefighting efforts.

The EU’s Emergency Response Coordination Centre has deployed three firefighting planes from the rescEU emergency reserves.

These planes, originating from Croatia and Italy, have already arrived in Greece and are actively assisting in the suppression of the fires.

Emergency satellite mapping, via the EU’s Copernicus system, has also been initiated to provide local authorities with updated maps to support their operations.

Previous EU firefighting support during Greece’s wildfire season

Earlier this year, Greece requested EU support twice during its wildfire season.

Through the EU Civil Protection Mechanism, Greece received assistance in the form of five firefighting planes, two helicopters, and seven ground teams, which totalled 348 firefighters and 115 vehicles.

This support was essential in helping Greece manage the fires at the time.

In addition to this, Greece also hosted a prepositioning programme, which involved the deployment of firefighters and vehicles in advance to strengthen the country’s preparedness.

These personnel remained in Greece for several weeks, ready to respond to emergencies.

EU’s ongoing monitoring and future support

The European Commission remains vigilant as wildfires continue to threaten Greece.

Through its Copernicus satellite system, the Commission is closely monitoring fire danger forecasts.

Should the situation escalate, the EU stands ready to mobilise additional resources as needed.

The EU’s coordinated response highlights its ongoing commitment to assisting member states during times of natural disasters.

Greece continues to benefit from the EU’s extensive emergency resources, which are available through the Civil Protection Mechanism.

Emergency satellite mapping and firefighting aircraft

The EU’s Copernicus system is being employed to aid local Greek authorities with accurate and timely satellite maps.

These maps are designed to provide real-time data that can be used to plan effective firefighting strategies.

The system’s deployment is part of the EU’s broader support for Greece during the ongoing crisis.

The firefighting planes sent to Greece have been mobilised from Croatia and Italy, demonstrating the collaborative nature of the EU Civil Protection Mechanism.

This rapid response is crucial in addressing the fast-moving wildfires that are currently spreading across the northern Peloponnese.

EU sends aircraft to Greece to combat northern Peloponnese wildfires: Summary

The EU has dispatched three firefighting planes to Greece to combat wildfires in the northern Peloponnese region, following Greece’s activation of the EU Civil Protection Mechanism.

These aircraft, mobilised from Croatia and Italy, have arrived to assist in controlling the flames.

In addition, the EU has launched emergency satellite mapping through the Copernicus system to support local authorities.

This is the third time this wildfire season that Greece has requested EU assistance, having received firefighting aircraft, helicopters, and ground teams earlier in the year.

The European Commission continues to monitor the situation and remains ready to provide further support if necessary.

European Commission supports Portugal in fight against Madeira wildfire

by Aerial FirefightingFeatured News

EU mobilises firefighting resources in Madeira

The European Commission announced on Thursday that it is ready to deploy more resources to support firefighting efforts in Madeira, Portugal, where a large wildfire has been burning for over a week.

According to the Commission’s statement, it is “closely monitoring the situation” and has already dispatched two Canadair firefighting planes from Spain through the European Civil Protection Mechanism, after receiving a formal request from Portugal.

The wildfire broke out on 14 August in the mountainous region of Ribeira Brava, Madeira.

It has spread across various municipalities, prompting evacuations for nearly 200 people.

While some residents have since returned home, those in Fajã das Galinhas remain displaced.

As of now, no homes or critical infrastructure have been damaged.

Copernicus system activated for emergency mapping

The European Commission has also activated the Copernicus emergency satellite system to assist local authorities with mapping the impacted areas.

The satellite imagery will provide vital data to the emergency teams on the ground, helping coordinate efforts to manage the wildfire.

This additional layer of support is part of the EU’s comprehensive approach to aiding Portugal during this emergency.

The European Civil Protection Mechanism, designed to facilitate mutual aid among member states, has also pre-positioned over 560 firefighters from 12 countries to tackle the wildfire season across Europe.

Portugal’s government calls for European support

Portugal formally activated the European Civil Protection Mechanism on Wednesday.

This mechanism allows countries to request assistance from the EU’s strategic reserve of emergency resources, which includes 28 planes and four helicopters.

The Commission’s Emergency Response Coordination Centre responded immediately to Portugal’s call, facilitating the deployment of two Canadair aircraft to the island.

These planes will offer crucial air support to local authorities working under challenging conditions due to high winds and temperatures.

Local investigation points to arson as the cause

The fire has already burned through more than 4,930 hectares of land, according to the European Forest Fire Information System.

While local authorities are investigating the fire’s origin, Miguel Albuquerque, the president of the Madeiran government, has publicly stated that the blaze was likely started by arson.

The ongoing investigation by the Judicial Police will determine the cause of the fire as the firefighting efforts continue.

European Commission supports Portugal in fight against Madeira wildfire: summary

The European Commission has mobilised additional resources to help Portugal battle a major wildfire in Madeira, which started on 14 August in Ribeira Brava.

Two Canadair firefighting planes were sent from Spain through the EU Civil Protection Mechanism following a request from Portugal.

The Copernicus emergency satellite system has also been activated to assist local authorities with mapping the affected areas.

Despite difficult conditions, including high winds and temperatures, no homes or critical infrastructure have been destroyed.

The fire has consumed more than 4,930 hectares, and arson is suspected as the cause.