What are the names and locations of the wildfires?
As of July 6, 2026, active wildfires are burning across multiple countries in southern Europe, with the worst-affected areas being France, Spain, Portugal, and Greece.
Combined, the blazes have scorched more than 19,000 hectares (42,000 acres), an area more than twice the size of Manhattan (1). The fires follow a record-breaking heatwave in June, with temperatures expected to reach 40°C again in the coming days.
European policymakers have warned of extreme wildfire danger throughout July and August.
Which cities or areas are affected by the wildfires?
Active wildfires are affecting communities across southern Europe, including:
- Girona region, Spain (Catalonia)
- Mandra, Greece (west of Athens)
- Oraiokastro and Thessaloniki, Greece
- Perpignan and Trevillach, France (Pyrénées-Orientales)
- Vouzela, Portugal (central Portugal)
Major fires were also reported on Croatia's island of Hvar and in Tale, Albania (2). Toxic smoke from a burning recycling plant near Thessaloniki prompted indoor shelter advisories for several suburbs.
What is the current containment status of the wildfires?
As of July 6, 2026, containment status varies by country. In Portugal, the Vouzela blaze, 12,000 hectares, has no major active fronts but retains hot spots, with over 1,200 firefighters, 400 vehicles, and 15 aircraft deployed (3).
In Spain, the Girona fire (2,200 hectares) remained uncontrolled with a 40 km perimeter. In France, the Trevillach fire has an 18 km frontline with 750 firefighters deployed. The EU has made its largest-ever deployment of cross-border emergency crews to high-risk areas.
Are there any evacuation orders or alerts in place?
At least 10,500 people have been evacuated across southern Europe (4). In France, around 5,000 people were evacuated near Perpignan, and spectators were banned from the Tour de France's third stage.
In Spain, nearly 50,000 people were ordered to remain indoors or evacuate in the Girona region.
In Greece, evacuation alerts were issued for three suburbs of Thessaloniki and a facility housing 157 people with disabilities, while residents were urged to shelter indoors due to toxic smoke.
How can I protect myself from wildfire smoke?
Always plan ahead to protect yourself from wildfire smoke.
- Get a free air quality app for real-time air quality alerts and forecasts.
- Shut doors and windows and set the HVAC to recirculate mode.
- Run a high-performance air purifier to filter wildfire smoke.
- Contribute to your community’s outdoor air quality data.
- Stay indoors; if you do need to go outdoors, wear a KN95/FFP2 mask.
