Wildfires across Europe: how the Red Cross is helping as homes are evacuated and thousands of hectares burned

Last updated: 13 August 2026

The European heatwave has resulted in large wildfires in several countries, including the UK. On the continent, record-breaking temperatures have caused extensive wildfires including in France, Greece and Spain, with hundreds of thousands of people forced to flee their homes and tens of thousands of hectares burned. 

According to the European Commision as of 5 August, there have been 1614 fires recorded this year, with 505,683 hectares affected. This is above the area recorded by the same date in 2025, which was the worst year on record. 

National Red Cross Societies have been on the ground supporting efforts to contain the fires and help those affected. Find out more about the vital work they've been carrying out.

Greece

In Greece over 30,000 hectares have burned this summer with major fires across the country  in Attica, Kavala, Kotteika and Gastouni and Rethymno. Homes have been destroyed alongside agricultrual land and livestock while people have been evacuated, including tourists. 

The Hellenic Red Cross

The Hellenic Red Cross teams including rescuers, nursing staff, psychologists, and social workers have been on the frontlines throughout, offering humanitarian and health support to those that need it. 

They have also been rescuing domestic and wild animals providing them with water, food and the safety they desperately need. 

France

South-western France has faced one of the country's largest fires since World War Two. Firefighters have been battling to contain a wildfire in the Gironde region, near the city of Bordeaux, where it is estimated that 200,000 people were forced to flee their homes in July. Sadly, two firefighters have died while fighting the blaze.  

French Red Cross (Croix-Rouge Francaise) response  

The French Red Cross (Croix-Rouge Francaise) has set up emergency shelters in Lacanau, Le Porge, Andernos and Bordeaux, providing beds and mental health support for people who have had to flee their homes, and assisting with the ongoing evacuation effort.  

The society has also deployed 20 ambulances and 900 more beds to support those affected by the emergency. Once the fire is extinguished, they are ready to help people returning to their homes, or whose homes have been destroyed.  

Italy 

In Italy, more than 400 people had to be evacuated by sea as wildfires affect parts of the southern Adriatic coast, including province of Puglia. Another fire is burning outside Palermo on the island of Sicily.   

Spain

In Spain, wildfires in the Madrid region have forced more than 60,000 people to evacuate, while another wildfire has broken out in the eastern region of Valencia, where officials are concerned about worsening weather conditions. 

In total, more than 105,000 people have fled their homes in affected areas of the country, and one person is known to have died.  

Spanish Red Cross (Cruz Roja Española) response   

The Spanish Red Cross (Cruz Roja Española) is responding to 48 fires across the country and has mobilised 664 responders as well as ambulances and transport vehicles.  

The society has provided accommodation for more than 3,500 people in 78 emergency shelters and is providing specialist support for children who have had to flee their homes.  

Portugal

Rural wildfires have been affecting communities across Portugal during this summer with over 50,000 hectares already burned this year.

Portuguese Red Cross (Cruz Vermelha Portuguesa) response

Volunteers from the Portuguese Red Cross, (Cruz Vermelha Portuguesa), have been providing support, recovery, rest, food and water to affected communities and firefighters responding to the fires. 

Hundreds of personnel remain on the ground supporting families and communities. 

The United Kingdom

Wildfires have affected nearly every area of the UK this summer. In July, five areas of the UK reached the highest level of the Fire Severity Index, with much of England and Wales classified as being at very high risk of wildfires. 

At the time, the British Red Cross confirmed emergency response teams were ready to response to support local authorities and affected communities. 

Garth Smith, head of resilience at the British Red Cross, said: “Wildfires spread with devastating speed, destroying homes, habitats and lives. Hot weather and little to no rain have made it easier for grass and wildfires to spread quickly.  

“Many people in the UK will be following the news to keep informed of the latest risks in their area, but we also want people to feel confident to act themselves. If you live in a high-risk area, know your escape routes, follow local alerts and keep your property clear of flammable materials.   

“We know the country is getting hotter, and heatwaves and wildfires will be an increasing reality here in the UK. Taking a few minutes now to learn the risks could save lives later.”   

Find out more about why wildfire risk in the UK is increasing and how to keep yourself safe. 

Advice for UK citizens travelling to affected areas in Europe 

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has advised that French authorities have evacuated campsites, tourist accommodation and some residential areas, and that further evacuations, road closures and access restrictions may occur at short notice. They encourage anyone visiting France or Spain to be aware of and comply with instructions from authorities and emergency services.  

 How to support communities at risk of wildfires

• Donate to help us prepare for emergencies, respond when wildfires strike and support people as they recover.
• Volunteer to help strengthen community resilience and provide support before, during and after emergencies.
• Learn about wildfire risks and share trusted information with friends, family and your local community.
• Take steps to prevent and prepare for wildfires with advice on reducing risks, staying safe and how to be ready for an emergency.