Ukraine Faces Record-Breaking Wildfires Amid Ongoing Conflict

Ukraine experienced its most devastating wildfire season in over three decades in 2024, with nearly 965,000 hectares burned, more than double the area affected across the entire European Union. The fires were concentrated in eastern Ukraine, exacerbated by military conflict, where artillery fire ignited the terrain, creating a dangerous situation for firefighters amid dry conditions. The EU's Joint Research Centre reported that the scale of destruction was unparalleled, with 8,753 fires recorded and significant damage occurring near frontline areas. In comparison, Portugal faced its worst wildfire season since 2017, with 147,000 hectares burned. Climate change and the ongoing war have been identified as major contributing factors to the severity and frequency of wildfires in the region. Experts warn that if the conflict continues, the situation may worsen, leading to more inaccessible areas filled with dead wood, increasing fire risks.