Forest fires in Spain have already burned more than 172,000 hectares in 2026, six times more than in 2025

Forest fires have devastated a total of 172,396.10 hectares in Spain between January 1 and July 27, 2026. This figure contrasts with the 29,817 hectares that burned during the same period in 2025 and means that, so far this year, the area affected by fire has multiplied by six compared to the previous year.

The data, still provisional, have been provided by the Ministry for the Ecological Transition and Demographic Challenge (Miteco) and collected by Europa Press. According to this report, since the beginning of 2026, 35 large forest fires, known as GIFs, have been recorded in Spain. In the same period last year, eleven episodes of this nature had been registered, a difference that reflects the notable increase in both the burned area and the number of large fires.

The Minister for the Ecological Transition and Demographic Challenge, Sara Aagesen, has warned that the situation remains complex. At the same time, she has alerted that the risk of fires will be "very high" across the entire territory ahead of the fourth heatwave, which is expected to begin tomorrow.

Aagesen has also confirmed that between this Monday and this Tuesday, two aircraft from Turkey will join the extinguishing efforts. These aircraft will collaborate in the operations deployed to combat the fires that remain active and will reinforce the available resources during days marked by the high danger of fire spread.

"Very complex situation, we are making progress," the minister explained in an interview granted to RNE. During her remarks, Aagesen made an explicit appeal for caution in the coming days, given the forecast weather conditions and the consequent increase in risk.

The head of Ecological Transition insisted on that request for caution by stating: "The risk of fires from tomorrow is very high across the entire territory; we have Aemet data according to which we will begin a new heatwave; I ask for caution in this context."

The minister plans to travel to Castellón this afternoon to monitor on the ground the evolution of the fire declared in Vall de Uxó. Her visit will allow for direct monitoring of the fire and the actions being carried out to contain it and make progress toward its extinction.

In parallel, Aagesen has referred to the situation of people who have had to leave their homes as a result of the fires. The minister has assured that she understands the uncertainty faced by those who remain evacuated and wish to return to their homes as soon as possible. However, she has stressed that the priority must be to guarantee "safety" before authorizing any return.

For this reason, she has argued that those affected should not return until it can be ensured that conditions are adequate and that there is no danger for them. "Until there is a safe environment, it is best that they do not return to their homes," she concluded.

Source:El Debate