Southeast Asia sees drop in wildfire emissions
The Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service (CAMS) has reported that the Upper ASEAN region recorded one of its lowest wildfire emission levels for the first four months of 2025, based on satellite-derived data going back to 2003.
According to CAMS, Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam experienced a decrease in fire emissions, with particularly intense fire activity in March and April.
The data indicated that while the total emissions were relatively low, fires in rural areas still led to high smoke concentrations across urban centres.
CAMS attributed the drop in emissions to regional efforts to reduce crop burning and transboundary haze.
It said initiatives such as the ASEAN Agreement on Transboundary Haze Pollution and related national actions contributed to a declining trend, though disparities in monitoring capacity and implementation remain challenges.
Wildfire emissions surge in UK and Ireland
CAMS has reported that the United Kingdom and Ireland experienced one of the most intense fire seasons on record for the January to April period, with the UK recording nearly 30,000 hectares burned by 6 May.
According to the data, England faced its driest spring start in almost 70 years. Fires were observed in counties including Dorset, Cumbria and Derbyshire, and warnings were issued for Northern Ireland.
CAMS estimated this was the second highest emission level for the UK and Ireland since 2003.
The Netherlands also recorded its highest April fire emissions.
The European Drought Observatory classified most of northwestern Europe under “watch” or “warning” conditions, reflecting the warmer and drier weather that contributed to the early fire activity.
South Korea experiences deadliest wildfires
CAMS reported that March 2025 saw South Korea’s worst wildfire event on record, with over 104,000 hectares burned and 32 fatalities reported.
The fires, which lasted a full week, also destroyed 5,000 buildings. CAMS said its data showed emissions levels more than four times higher than the country’s usual annual average.
An attribution study found that climate change made the March fire conditions twice as likely. CAMS noted that the fires spread rapidly due to dry and windy weather and originated from two initial fire sites which expanded over a 70 kilometre path.
South Asia and global fire activity overview
CAMS analysis highlighted persistent haze across South Asia during early 2025.
It reported that agricultural fires and anthropogenic pollution, combined with regional orography, contributed to poor air quality across northern India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Nepal.
The organisation noted that forest fires affected the Kathmandu Valley in March and that fine particulate matter levels remained elevated throughout the Indo-Gangetic Plain.
Elsewhere, CAMS reported notable fires in southern California and Patagonia during the first quarter of 2025.
Fire activity in Brazil and Bolivia was reportedly lower compared to the same period in 2024.
As of mid-May, fires had begun in eastern Eurasia and Canada, and were being closely monitored by CAMS.
Wildfires 2025: CAMS data reveals record fire emissions in UK and South Korea: Summary
The Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service reported low fire emissions in Southeast Asia for January to April 2025.
CAMS attributed this decline to efforts in reducing slash-and-burn agriculture and regional agreements on transboundary pollution.
The United Kingdom experienced its second highest fire-related emissions for this period since 2003.
Nearly 30,000 hectares were reported burned in the UK by early May.
The Netherlands recorded its highest wildfire emissions for April since records began.
South Korea saw its most destructive fires on record, with 104,000 hectares burned and 32 fatalities.
CAMS data showed South Korea’s wildfire emissions in March were four times higher than the annual average.
An attribution study stated climate change doubled the likelihood of South Korea’s March fires.
CAMS recorded high levels of PM2.5 across South Asia due to winter and spring haze.
Forest fires in California and South America were also reported, though emissions in the Orinoco region were low.
Fire activity had begun increasing in eastern Eurasia and Canada by mid-May.
CAMS wildfire emissions data is based on satellite observation and forecasting models.