Global Wildfires Burn Over 112 Million Hectares in 2026
Global Wildfires Burn Over 112 Million Hectares in 2026
CD · Published Aug 14, 2026
As of August 1, 2026, wildfires and landscape fires have burned 112.3 million hectares globally, an area comparable to South Africa's size.
Data from the Global Wildfire Information System (GWIS) highlights Africa as the epicenter, accounting for 55% of the burned area.

Impact & Risks

The widespread fires have caused significant environmental and health impacts. In Africa, deliberate seasonal burning dominates, but uncontrolled wildfires in regions like Spain and the United States have led to evacuations and air quality concerns. Spain's fires resulted in over 300,000 evacuations, while the U.S. continues to battle drought-driven fires affecting visibility and air quality. Australia, with 11.8 million hectares burned, faces heightened risks in the Southern Hemisphere. These fires contribute to habitat destruction, carbon emissions, and displacement of communities.

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