Live satellite hotspots · source: NASA FIRMS
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Wildfires are a near-annual feature of the European summer, but the picture varies enormously by country and region. Southern France, Spain, Portugal, Italy, Greece and Croatia see the most activity, driven by long dry spells, strong winds and dense pine or eucalyptus forest that burns fast once alight. Northern countries are not immune either: heathland fires in Belgium and Germany, and increasingly forest fires in Scandinavia and Central Europe, show that the risk window has widened well beyond the classic Mediterranean summer.
This map pulls together near-real-time satellite hotspot data so you can see, at a glance, whether anything is burning near a destination you care about. Every heat detection is checked against known industrial sites, solar farms and gas flares to cut down on false alarms, and each dot carries a timestamp so you can judge how fresh it is. Zoom into any of the country pages below for more detail, local emergency numbers and season-specific advice.
Hotspots come from the VIIRS instruments on NASA FIRMS satellites (NOAA-20, NOAA-21 and Suomi NPP) and are cross-checked against Copernicus EFFIS. A hotspot is a heat detection, not a confirmed fire: industrial sites, solar farms and permanent burners are filtered out automatically.
The Mediterranean rim
Southern France, Spain, Portugal, Italy, Greece and Croatia together account for most of Europe's burnt area each year. Hot, dry summers combine with resinous pine forest and maquis scrub to create fast-moving fires, especially during heatwaves paired with strong regional winds such as the mistral or the tramontana.
Atlantic and Iberian interior
Galicia, the Portuguese centre and Extremadura see frequent fires in eucalyptus plantations and dense forest, often started by human activity rather than lightning. These regions can be affected outside the peak summer months too, with a secondary risk period in early autumn.
Northern and continental Europe
Belgium's Hoge Venen, German heathland and increasingly Central and Northern Europe experience smaller but genuine wildfires, typically in spring when last year's dead vegetation is tinder-dry and new growth has not yet appeared.
Is there a wildfire burning right now in Europe?
The map shows every satellite hotspot detected across Europe in roughly the last 18 hours. If a country or region shows no markers, no significant heat signature has been picked up there in that window. Press Live refresh to pull the newest satellite pass immediately.
When is wildfire season worst in Europe?
Peak risk runs from June to September across the Mediterranean, with July and August usually the most active months in France, Spain, Portugal, Italy and Greece. Northern Europe, including Belgium and Germany, instead peaks in spring, from March to May, when dead vegetation is driest.
What should I do if a fire is near my campsite or accommodation?
Follow instructions from campsite staff or local authorities immediately, do not wait to see how the fire develops, and call 112 if you spot smoke or flames that nobody else has reported. Keep car keys, documents and phone chargers to hand during high-risk periods so you can leave quickly if asked.
Are open fires and barbecues allowed during my holiday?
Rules vary by country and season, but many Mediterranean regions ban all open fires, barbecues and even smoking outdoors during the driest summer months, including on beaches and campsites. Always check local signage or ask your accommodation, since fines for breaching a fire ban can be substantial.
What is the emergency number for wildfires in Europe?
112 works everywhere in the European Union and connects you to the emergency services in the local language or English. Some countries also run dedicated hotlines, such as 18 for the fire brigade in France or 117 for SOS Floresta in Portugal, but 112 is the safest default anywhere.
How current is this wildfire map?
Hotspot data refreshes automatically every hour, and satellites pass over most of Europe two to three times a day. The timestamp in the top corner of the map shows exactly when the data was last updated, and the Live refresh button fetches the newest available pass on demand.
How do I see if a wildfire is close to my campsite or holiday address in Europe?
Use the location finder on this map: type your destination, village or campsite name, or tap "Use my location". The map instantly shows the distance in kilometres to the nearest active hotspot, and you can switch on alerts for fires within 5 to 100 km. Every search gets its own link, so you can share the situation around your own address with family or fellow travellers.