Data from the EU's European Forest Fire Information System (EFFIS) shows Spain has recorded 254 wildfires this year, compared to just 76 during the same period in 2025.
By mid-June, wildfires had scorched nearly 40 square kilometres of land across the country, a significant increase from the approximately 12 square kilometres recorded during the same period last year.
The region of Andalusia has borne the brunt of this year's fires, including a blaze in Villanueva de los Castillejos, Huelva, which scorched around five square kilometres of land.
In the first five months of 2026, Andalusia saw 161 wildfires, compared to 115 over the same period last year.
“"The government will roll out its largest state operation this summer, involving forest firefighting brigades, emergency teams and more than 20 new military aircraft."
Analysts are warning that the worst of the fire season may still lie ahead, with wildfires burning at triple the rate of last year and May recorded as the hottest on record.
