The World Health Organization said Wednesday that wildfire smoke from southern Europe is a growing health emergency requiring urgent public-health intervention [1].
This warning comes as increasing fire intensity creates hazardous air quality across the region. The smoke poses severe risks to children, the elderly, and people with cardiovascular or respiratory conditions, groups the WHO identifies as the most vulnerable [1, 3].
The agency specifically highlighted the situation in the WHO European Region, with a focus on Portugal and Spain [3]. Recent data indicates that reported wildfires in those two countries have increased by more than 100% compared with the same period in 2025 [3].
This regional spike is part of a broader trend across the continent. Wildfires in Europe have increased by 57% over the past four years [2]. The WHO said authorities should improve communication and implement better protection measures for those at risk as these events become more frequent [1].
While the current focus is on Europe, the agency noted the broader medical implications of particulate matter from smoke. A study on wildfires in Canada found that a six percent increase in headache-related hospital visits was linked to smoke exposure [4].
Public-health officials are urged to provide clearer guidance on how to minimize exposure to smoke and to prepare healthcare systems for the resulting surge in respiratory and cardiovascular distress [1, 3].
“Wildfires in Europe have increased by 57% over the past four years”
The WHO's designation of wildfire smoke as a health emergency signals a shift in how climate-driven disasters are managed. By focusing on the smoke rather than just the flames, the agency is acknowledging that the health impacts of wildfires extend far beyond the immediate burn zone, affecting urban populations and healthcare systems across entire borders.
