Huelva, Epicenter of Forest Fires in 2026: 55,100 Hectares Burned

• From January 2026 to August 18, 155 forest fires were recorded in Huelva, Spain.
• According to the European Forest Fire Information System (EFFI), 55,100 hectares have been scorched in Huelva this year, representing 18.69% of the total burned territory in Spain.

Key Affected Areas and Biodiversity

• Niebla fire: Burned for over 11 days, consuming 45,800 hectares.
• Pata del Caballo: An ecological corridor where 80% of the land was devastated. The area, home to holm oaks, cork oaks, and wildlife such as deer, wild boar, and the short-toed snake eagle, will take decades to recover.
• Other major incidents: San Bartolomé de la Torre (4,600 ha), Villanueva de las Cruces (1,700 ha), and Villanueva de los Castillejos (1,000 ha).

Management and Prevention Criticisms

• The Andalusian Forestry Association (AFA) reports that forest management in the region is at an all-time low.
• Investments are failing to reach even 30% of the projections set by the Andalusian Forestry Plan.
• Current firefighting infrastructure covers less than 0.5% of the Andalusian territory.
• Infoca workers have consistently reported insufficient personnel throughout the summer season.
• Civil society is organizing to demand accountability, questioning not just the resources used for firefighting but the lack of preventative measures taken prior to the disasters.