Published on: 2026-07-24
Source: United Nations
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July 24, 2026 Climate and Environment
The Director of the European Regional Office of the World Health Organization (WHO), Hans Kluge, warned of a sharp increase in the number of forest fires in Europe and urged countries to prepare for such disasters to occur more frequently and become more destructive due to climate change.
According to the data he provided, from January to July 2026, the number of registered forest fires in Portugal and Spain increased by more than 100 percent compared to the same period last year.
Kluge also noted that in 2025 fires destroyed about 2.2 million hectares of land in the WHO European Region. In 2022, this figure was 1.4 million hectares. Thus, over just four years, the area of land affected by fires increased by 57 percent.
Consequences of the fires
According to the head of the WHO European Office, behind these numbers lie human tragedies. Forest fires destroy homes and sources of income, force people to leave their residences, place a huge burden on emergency services and healthcare systems, and often lead to loss of life.
At the same time, the danger comes not only from the fire itself. Smoke from forest fires can spread over long distances, worsening air quality far beyond the disaster zone. This increases the risk of exacerbation of cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, as well as negatively affecting mental health. Elderly people, children, pregnant women, and individuals with chronic illnesses are especially vulnerable. Forest fires can also disrupt access to medical care and other community services.
Follow the recommendations
Kluge urged local residents and tourists in areas affected by the fires to follow the authorities’ recommendations, to leave dangerous zones if possible, avoid unnecessary travel, and use well-fitting protective masks if it is necessary to go outside in conditions of heavy smoke. In case of difficulty breathing or chest pain, medical help should be sought immediately.
Reduce risks for the population
According to the head of the WHO European Office, governments can significantly reduce risks to the population by providing timely warnings about forest fires, weather conditions, and air quality, offering clear health protection recommendations, and ensuring the availability of primary and emergency medical care. People in high-risk groups also need access to cool spaces with clean air, hotlines, and targeted support.
“As climate change leads to further warming of the planet, we must be prepared for forest fires to occur more often and become more intense,” emphasized Kluge.
He added that the WHO European regional office is already working with countries in the region, helping to assess risks, improve emergency response plans, develop recommendations for protecting the population from wildfire smoke and extreme heat, as well as to enhance the resilience of health services and institutions to the impacts of climate change.
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