What is the name and location of the wildfire?
As of August 20, 2025, the wildfires are scorching Spain and Portugal, fueled by a record-breaking heatwave and drought blamed on climate change.
In Spain, wildfires are concentrated in the western regions of Castile and Leon, Galicia, and Extremadura, with more than 20 major blazes classified as operational level two, posing direct threats to communities (1).
Portugal’s wildfires are active in the north and center of the country, including four major ones.
For a more detailed look, see the wildfire and air quality map.
Wildfire map of northwestern Portugal and Spain as of Aug 20, 2025, 11 PM PT. Source: IQAir.
Which cities or areas are affected by the wildfires?
The wildfires have devastated rural towns and forested regions in both countries. The most affected areas include:
- Arganil, Portugal
- Castile and Leon, Spain
- Extremadura, Spain
- Galicia, Spain
- Malhada do Rei, Portugal
Homes and vegetation have been destroyed, with thick smoke degrading air quality across large parts of Spain and Portugal. PM2.5 concentrations have been much higher than the World Health Organization's safe level, and smoke has reached France, the UK, and Scandinavia (2).
What is the current containment status of the wildfires?
Southern Europe is emerging from a 16-day heatwave with temperatures dropping from above 40°C, but wildfires continue to devastate Spain and Portugal.
Spain has lost over 382,000 hectares, its worst fire season on record, while Portugal has seen 216,000 hectares burned. Thousands of firefighters and about 2,000 Spanish soldiers are battling the blazes with international support from several European and North African countries, though heavy smoke hampers aerial efforts (3).
The fires have killed six people total, four in Spain and two in Portugal, but officials hope easing weather will aid containment (4).
Are there any evacuation orders or alerts in place?
Evacuations are ongoing. In Spain, thousands of people have been forced to flee their homes in the affected western regions, with locals in small Galicia towns stepping in before firefighters arrive.
In Portugal, evacuations have occurred in northern and central villages near the major fires.
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.
