On Wednesday afternoon, as smoke drifted over the outskirts of Valencia, Spain, emergency crews battled the latest in a string of wildfires that have swept southern Europe this July. Despite a viral social media narrative suggesting that 2026 marks Europe’s ‘quietest’ wildfire season in years, data from the European Forest Fire Information System (EFFIS) and Copernicus Emergency Management Service tell a different story.

According to EFFIS, European Union countries have recorded over 180,000 hectares of land burned since the start of the year, a figure already above the 10-year seasonal average for this point in the summer. Portugal, Greece, and Italy have each declared regional emergencies, with Greek authorities confirming 29 large wildfires since June. These numbers contradict claims circulating among climate sceptics and some rightwing commentators, who have cited misinterpreted charts to downplay the current crisis.

“Our teams are responding to more incidents than in the same period last summer,” said Maria Elena Rodriguez, spokesperson for Spain’s Civil Protection Directorate, during a Thursday morning briefing. The agency also noted that the frequency of heatwaves—driving fire risk—has increased, with five days in July topping 40°C in Madrid and Seville.

Climate policy researchers highlight that variability in annual wildfire statistics can be significant, but the broader trend remains concerning. While some regions have seen fewer incidents due to wetter spring conditions, others face intensified risk from prolonged drought and record temperatures. The EU Commission maintains its 2026 target of expanding cross-border fire response resources, set at a €150 million budget, but delivery of new equipment has lagged behind schedule.

With much of Europe bracing for another heatwave this weekend, sustainability professionals and NGOs are urging policymakers to focus on adaptation strategies, including forest management and early warning systems. The debate over wildfire data underscores the ongoing challenge of separating fact from misinformation as climate impacts become more acute.