Wildfires increase 57% in Europe over four years, WHO warns

Wildfires are intensifying across Europe, prompting the World Health Organization (WHO) to issue a warning about a sharp rise in fire incidents and their escalating impact on public health. The organization noted that the frequency and scale of wildfires have increased in recent years, driven by hotter, drier conditions and changing land‑use patterns, and that these events are now affecting larger populations than before.

According to WHO data, the health toll of wildfire smoke includes respiratory and cardiovascular problems, with vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, and individuals with pre‑existing conditions at heightened risk. The agency has urged governments to strengthen early‑warning systems, improve air‑quality monitoring, and ensure that emergency response teams have adequate resources to protect communities and mitigate long‑term health consequences.

The WHO’s call for action underscores the need for coordinated regional strategies to address both the environmental drivers of wildfires and their human health implications. As Europe continues to grapple with these challenges, authorities are urged to prioritize prevention, preparedness, and public health safeguards to reduce the growing burden of wildfire‑related illnesses.