heat and drought
Fire on La Palma destroys 2000 hectares of land – map shows where forest fires threaten in Europe
Smoke can be seen over the island of La Palma
© AFP
On La Palma, a fire has burned a large piece of land within a short time. Heat reigns throughout Spain and forest fire risk is high in many parts of Europe. A map gives an overview.
La Palma is just one of many places with extreme drought
All of Spain, including its islands, is suffering from unusual heat and drought this year. The country experienced the hottest spring since weather records began, and Spain is currently groaning under a heat wave. The weather conditions favor the outbreak of fires. Since the beginning of 2023, 66,000 hectares of land have already burned in Spain.
There is a risk of forest fires in many places in Europe due to the sometimes extreme heat. In Germany, too, the authorities fear that fires could break out. Most recently, the highest forest fire warning level applied in large parts of Brandenburg, and the second highest warning level was reached in four districts. The highest warning level also applied in parts of Saxony-Anhalt and Saxony.
Interactive map: forest fire risk in Europe
The map shows the current forecast. With a click you get to the provider “Wetter.de”.