By July 15, Portugal had endured 3,370 rural fires, which burned 10,768 hectares, three times the area scorched during the same period in 2024, according to data from the National Institute for Nature Conservation and Forests. Though fewer wildfires occurred overall, they were far more destructive, with over half classified as large-scale blazes. Évora is the hardest-hit district, with 2,438 hectares burned, about 23% of the total. Beja follows with 2,058 hectares (19%), and Viana do Castelo with 1,522 hectares (14%). Arson was identified in 24% of cases.
The intensity and destruction of wildfires around the world have grown exponentially in recent years. Each year brings even more devastating disasters, setting terrible new records across many countries.
Click through the gallery to learn more about some of the most catastrophic fires in recent history.