Wildfires surge across Europe and Ireland in summer 2026

Last summer saw a sharp rise in wildfires across Europe, with Ireland experiencing unprecedented fire activity amid record heat.

France recorded its worst wildfire year in 15 years and Spain burned twice the 15‑year average, together accounting for over 50 % of the area burned in the EU. Despite this, overall EU burned area in 2026 was lower than the previous summer.

In Ireland, 2026 was the hottest summer on record. A partial drought in Oak Park, Co. Carlow lasted 66 days, breaking the previous 62‑day record set in 1983, and sparked wildfires in locations never before seen at such levels.

Expert view

Climate scientist Cathal Nolan warned that the summer’s conditions are unlikely to be an outlier, noting a trend toward drier summers in the midlands, east and south of the country, which could increase drought, wildfire risk and temperatures.

Personal accounts highlighted the growing threat to populated and tourist areas, with fires observed near Bordeaux and on a family campsite in south‑west France, underscoring the expanding reach of wildfire danger.

Source: Silicon Republic. Photo: K / Pexels.