Countries at highest fire danger risk named in new International SOS wildfire season outlook
Iain Hoey
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Countries facing high fire danger
According to International SOS, Greece, Turkey, Cyprus, Spain, Portugal, Albania, Montenegro, Germany, Italy, France and the USA face the highest fire danger this summer.
The organisation reported that this assessment was published in its 2025 Europe Wildfire season: preparation, response insight report.
It said the report examined the impact of wildfires on organisational operations, security and employee health and wellbeing.
International SOS stated that Portugal was worst affected by wildfires in 2024, with about 1,100 sq km of land burnt.
This accounted for roughly 25% of the total area burnt across Europe that year, according to the Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service.
Greece wildfire preparations
International SOS reported that Greece has regularly been among the countries most affected by wildfires in Europe.
It said the Greek Ministry of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection increased firefighter numbers from 15,500 in 2022 to more than 18,000 ahead of the 2025 season.
The ministry also expanded its firefighting vehicle fleet from 270 to 3,700.
According to the organisation, these measures form part of broader seasonal readiness efforts.
Current wildfire activity
Adam Lakhani, Security Director at International SOS, said: “There has been below-average wildfire activity in the lead up to the summer months, likely due to high levels of rainfall across historically at-risk regions including Southern Europe.
“France, Italy, Portugal and Spain.
“However, in recent days and weeks, wildfires have begun to hit the regions, also extending as far as Eastern Europe.
“Currently, much of Southern Europe is facing fires and warnings of extreme heat.
“In Greece, the worst-affected regions have faced structural damage to buildings, with authorities issuing an orange warning – which sits at Level 4 on a five-tier scale.
“In both Turkey and Cyprus, wildfires are already underway.
“Emergency services are battling blazes, with most-affected regions also reporting power outages.
“Portugal faced three wildfires alone on Tuesday 12th August, which are encroaching the villages of Palhais, Reboleiro, Aldeia Nova, and Aldeia Velha – causing great concern to authorities.
“Germany, Albania, Italy, Montenegro, and France have all issued orange and red heatwave warnings for this week, with Spain also facing fires in Andalusia, Castile and Leon, as well as autonomous communities in Madrid.
“Wildfires can directly impact health by causing injuries and even death from burns or smoke inhalation.”
Health impacts of wildfire smoke
Dr Kate O’Reilly, Regional Medical Director at International SOS, said: “The smoke from wildfires is a mixture of hazardous air pollutants, including particulate matter, that can affect those in near proximity to the fire, as well as distant populations.
“Exposure to wildfire smoke can irritate the lungs, cause inflammation, affect the immune system and increase susceptibility to respiratory infections.
“People who are pregnant, who have chronic lung disease, such as asthma, or who have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or those with cardiovascular diseases are more vulnerable to wildfire smoke.
“The long-term impacts of wildfire exposure include worsening lung and cardiovascular disease.
“Mental health conditions, including post-traumatic stress disorder, depression and anxiety, in both adults and children can increase after witnessing a wildfire.
“Access to healthcare can be impacted during and in the aftermath of wildfires.
“Hospitals and clinics may face operational difficulties due to damage, power outages or evacuation orders.
“Demand for services may also increase.
“The current situation across Europe is of great concern.
“We are keeping a close eye on our systems for the ‘fire danger forecast’ and are keeping clients and their workforces up to date with actionable insight and on-hand to support.”
Relevance for fire and safety professionals
The report outlines potential operational pressures for fire and safety professionals during the 2025 wildfire season.
It provides country-level data to support resource planning, mutual aid agreements and early deployment strategies.
The health impact findings highlight the need to integrate medical response and occupational health into wildfire preparedness.
The data may inform training programmes on both suppression techniques and post-incident recovery operations.
Fire danger warning issued for Europe and USA: Summary
International SOS has identified Greece, Turkey, Cyprus, Spain, Portugal, Albania, Montenegro, Germany, Italy, France and the USA as facing the highest fire danger this summer.
The organisation’s assessment is published in its 2025 Europe Wildfire season: preparation, response insight report.
Portugal was worst affected by wildfires in 2024, with about 1,100 sq km of land burnt.
This accounted for roughly 25% of all land burnt in Europe that year.
Greece increased firefighter numbers to more than 18,000 and expanded its firefighting vehicle fleet to 3,700.
Wildfires have been reported across Southern and Eastern Europe in recent weeks.
Heatwave warnings have been issued in Germany, Albania, Italy, Montenegro, France and Spain.
Adam Lakhani of International SOS said recent fires have caused structural damage and power outages in several countries.
He also noted multiple active fires in Portugal and Spain.
Dr Kate O’Reilly of International SOS outlined the health effects of wildfire smoke exposure.
These include respiratory and cardiovascular risks, with vulnerable groups more severely affected.
She also cited mental health impacts such as post-traumatic stress disorder, depression and anxiety.
Access to healthcare may be disrupted by fire damage, power loss or evacuation orders.
Demand for healthcare services often increases during and after wildfire events.
International SOS continues to monitor fire danger forecasts.
The organisation provides clients with updates and operational support.