Summer usually gives us the “vibe” of sunshine, outdoor activities, and enjoying time in nature. However, across the Northern Hemisphere, summer is also becoming a season of serious wildfires. Every year, forests, grasslands, and other natural areas burn, destroying trees and habitats and affecting many living beings far beyond the areas where the fires begin.

Fire is a natural part of some ecosystems, but when forests become hotter and drier, and when fires are started by people (accidentally or deliberately), the results can be devastating.

Intense forest fire illuminating the night sky in rural Spain, emphasizing the destructive force of nature.

Five facts about wildfires

1. Canada experienced its worst wildfire season on record in 2023.
More than 6,800 wildfires burned across Canada, covering more than 14.6 million hectares. More than 230,000 people were evacuated because of the fires.

2. The 2024 Jasper wildfire in Canada burned 32,700 hectares.
The fire destroyed around 30% of the structures in the town of Jasper, including homes, businesses, and other buildings.

3. Europe experienced its largest recorded burned area in 2025.
More than 1 million hectares burned across Europe, according to the Copernicus Climate Change Service. Spain and Portugal were particularly affected. By the end of August, approximately 380,877 hectares had burned in Spain and 265,139 hectares in Portugal.

4. Human behaviour causes many wildfires.
In Canada, slightly more than half of wildfires are caused by human activities, including careless campfires, vehicles operating in dry vegetation, and discarded cigarette butts.

5. Wildfire smoke can travel far beyond the fire.
Smoke contains fine particles and other pollutants that can harm human health. During major fires, smoke can travel hundreds or even thousands of kilometres, affecting communities far from the original fire.

The devastating 2012 fire on La Gomera

A powerful example from the Canary Islands is the 2012 wildfire on La Gomera, Spain. The fire began on 4 August 2012 and became the largest wildfire known to have affected the island. According to the Government of the Canary Islands, the fire was deliberately started by humans. High temperatures, low humidity and strong winds created conditions that allowed it to spread rapidly.

The fire caused extensive damage across southern La Gomera and also affected Garajonay National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most important areas of ancient laurel forest in the Canary Islands. More than 740 hectares (almost 20% of the national park) were burned. The flames also reached populated areas. At least 39 homes were affected in Valle Gran Rey, and more than 900 people were evacuated from the area by sea as the fire advanced.

The ecological damage was particularly serious because the fire affected ancient forest ecosystems. The destruction of mature forests can also create conditions for more fires in the future, as vegetation that grows after a fire can be more flammable. The experience of La Gomera shows us how one human action, combined with dangerous summer weather, can cause long-lasting damage to forests, wildlife and communities.

The devastating fire on the island of La Gomera.

No single cause behind today’s severe wildfires

Lightning and other natural events can start fires, while human activity is also an important source of ignition. Campfires that are not properly extinguished, cigarettes thrown into dry vegetation, machinery, and other human activities can all start fires. Research by the Canadian government shows that careless use of campfires and discarded cigarettes are significant examples of human-caused fires.

And of course, there is another important connection: climate change.

As we burn fossil fuels, we increase the concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. This contributes to rising temperatures and can create hotter and drier conditions. At the same time, drought, heatwaves and strong winds make vegetation much easier to burn and can allow fires to spread more quickly. The World Health Organization reports that wildfire risk increases during extremely dry conditions, including droughts and heatwaves, and that climate change is contributing to warmer and drier conditions.

This creates a dangerous cycle. A hotter and drier climate can increase wildfire risk, while large wildfires release significant amounts of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases into the atmosphere.

Charred tree trunks and soil in a forest landscape post-wildfire.

More than trees are lost

When a forest burns, the loss is much greater than the number of trees that disappear.

Our forests provide homes and food for birds, mammals, insects, reptiles and countless other organisms. Plants, fungi and microorganisms are also part of these complex ecosystems. Thus, when large areas burn, animals lose their habitats, food sources and shelter. The soil can become exposed to erosion, and accordingly, water systems can be affected by ash and sediment.

It is also worth remembering that we as human beings also depend on healthy forests. Forests help store carbon, protect soils, support water cycles, and provide resources that we depend on. Wildfires can also directly affect our health. Smoke contains pollutants such as fine particulate matter, which can enter deep into our lungs and even our bloodstream, leading to respiratory and cardiovascular problems and increasing the risk of premature death.

This is why a wildfire in one location can become a significant problem for people, nature, and the climate in many other places.

What can we do?

There is unfortunately no single solution to the wildfire problem, and we need action at many levels, for example: our governments can improve forest management and fire prevention; we as communities can prepare for emergencies, and our nations can work together to reduce greenhouse-gas emissions.

But of course, our individual actions also play a tremendous role. When spending time in nature, we can:

• Completely extinguish campfires. Use plenty of water, stir the ashes, and continue until everything is cold to the touch. Never leave a fire unattended.
• Never throw cigarettes or cigarette butts onto the ground. Even cigarettes designed to reduce ignition can still ignite dry vegetation under the right conditions.
• Follow local fire restrictions. If authorities prohibit fires, take the warning seriously.
• Keep vehicles and machinery away from very dry vegetation when possible, and follow local safety rules.
• Never leave glass or other rubbish in natural areas. Keep forests and grasslands clean and remove waste with you.
• Report smoke or unattended fires quickly to the appropriate local emergency service.
• Protect and restore forests. Supporting native trees, biodiversity and healthy ecosystems can help build more resilient landscapes.
• Reduce our contribution to climate change by making more sustainable choices in energy, transport and consumption.

These wildfires show us that we as humans and Mother Nature are deeply connected. A tree that burns in one forest may seem far away from our daily lives, but the consequences can reach animals, communities, the atmosphere and people living thousands of kilometres away. And that protecting forests is therefore not only about protecting trees. It is about protecting the living systems that support all of us.

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References:

Images:
Pexels
Der Spiegel

Further Reading:
https://www.canadawildfire.org/wildfirefacts
https://www.who.int/health-topics/wildfires#tab=tab_1
https://see.mv/4931
https://www.sciencenews.org/article/what-blame-canada-wildfires-toxic-smoke
https://www.spiegel.de/reise/europa/waldbraende-auf-den-kanaren-wir-gehen-durch-die-hoelle-auf-la-gomera-a-849746.html
https://natural-resources.canada.ca/stories/simply-science/science-art-forecasting-wildland-fires
https://research.fs.usda.gov/firelab/articles/can-fire-safe-cigarettes-start-wildfires
https://www.who.int/health-topics/wildfires
https://climate.copernicus.eu/esotc/2025/wildfires