The Foreign Office has issued travel advice for people heading to various European hotspots over the coming weeks.
Since mid-July, wildfires have torn through France, Spain and Portugal, forcing more than 300,000 people to evacuate their homes.
Countries including Italy and Greece are also expected to face increased wildfire risk in the coming weeks, amid prolonged hot weather across much of the continent.
The European Union could be heading for its worst wildfire season on record, with around 1,200 fires already reported in 2026—more than double the annual average of 569, according to EuroNews.
Amid this ongoing wildfire risk, the Foreign Office has shared advice for travellers.
What is Foreign Office travel advice amid wildfire risk in Europe?
Spain
Spain has been especially hard-hit, with regions just outside of Madrid among the areas most affected.
Authorities have declared a national emergency in parts of Madrid and Ávila, and there are reports of wildfires in other inland areas of Spain.
The Foreign Office recommends travellers to:
- follow instructions from local authorities and emergency services at all times
- check updates from the emergency services
- call 112 if you need emergency help
Portugal
Spain's neighbour, Portugal, has also been impacted by wildfires
The Foreign Office advises:
- checking the fire risk index for your location (in Portuguese)
- familiarising yourself with local safety and emergency procedures
- following the advice of the Portuguese authorities
- calling the emergency services on 112 if you see a fire
France
In France, the Gironde region near Bordeaux has seen the most severe blazes, with more than 200,000 people evacuated and 162 square miles (420 sq km) burned in less than four days.
The Foreign Office recommends that travellers check the French weather service’s fire alert map before travelling and monitor advice from local authorities during their stay.
It also advises travellers to review guidance from the French government on what to do if a wildfire breaks out, how to prevent wildfires, and steps for protecting homes (including required bush clearance).
The Foreign Office said: "If you are caught in, or witness, a wildfire, call the emergency services on 18 (fire) or 112 (emergency services)."
Italy
In Italy, visitors are encouraged to review the latest alerts and weather forecasts, follow the advice of local authorities, and exercise caution when travelling through wooded areas.
The Civil Protection Department website offers further information on what to do in the event of a wildfire.
Greece
In Greece, travellers should also follow official updates from @112Greece, obey instructions from emergency services, and call 112 if in immediate danger from wildfires.
Recommended reading:
- UK travel company collapses into liquidation after 22 years
- Travel adaptors sold on Amazon, eBay and TikTok found to pose safety risk
- Passengers told to never pack these 5 items in their checked luggage
Additionally, the Foreign Office recommends ensuring mobile phones are registered to receive emergency alerts.
It added: "Contact your airline or travel operator who can assist you with return travel to the UK."
Are you heading out to Europe in the next few weeks and have you checked the wildfire risk? Let us know in the comments.
