Europe Wildfires 2026
July 26 – August 10, 2026 Updated Aug 10
Every published chapter of The Fold's coverage of Europe Wildfires 2026, in one place — oldest to newest, updated as the story develops.
Spain and France wildfires force 267,000 to flee as France sets a national burn record
Wildfires across Spain and France have driven more than 267,000 people from their homes and burned nearly 98,000 hectares in France, a national record. Organisers cut the Tour de France’s final stage to free up emergency crews.
Spain and France wildfires: EU satellite data puts France at six times its 20-year average burnt area
Spain and France wildfires have displaced more than 300,000 people, and the EU’s own satellite service puts France’s 2026 burnt area at 91,265 hectares — 6.2 times its 20-year average.
France wildfires 2026: a record 93,301 hectares, and a 20-year average that breaks in two
Copernicus puts France 40.6% above its previous record, set in 2022. The average behind the widely quoted multiple — including in our own reporting on 27 July — spans two different satellites.