This summer, wildfires have scorched regions from the Algarve to the Peloponnese, with France, Germany, Greece, Spain, and Portugal among the hardest hit. According to the European Fire Danger Forecast, most of western and central Europe currently faces extreme fire danger. Since January, the continent has recorded 1,083 fires, releasing more than 7.01 million tonnes of CO₂ into the atmosphere.
But the danger is not confined to the flames. Smoke from these blazes can travel hundreds of kilometres, degrading air quality in cities far from the fire front. Residents of Berlin, Lyon, or Milan may find themselves breathing air laden with pollutants from a blaze in southern Spain or the Balkans. Understanding how to protect yourself is essential.
What Makes Wildfire Smoke So Harmful?
Wildfire smoke is a toxic cocktail. It contains fine particulate matter (PM2.5), nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), ozone, aromatic hydrocarbons, and lead. When fires consume homes or industrial buildings, they release additional hazardous chemicals from electronics, furniture, plastics, and paints.
“After you breathe in the particles, they cause inflammation and oxidative stress, and they can move into the blood and spread throughout the body, affecting other organ systems,” wrote Colleen Reid from the University of Colorado Boulder in The Conversation. This systemic impact means that even short-term exposure can exacerbate respiratory and cardiovascular conditions.
How to Know If the Air Is Unhealthy
Sometimes the air is visibly hazy or smells of smoke, but pollution can be dangerous even when it is not perceptible. The European Environment Agency maintains an interactive map with up-to-date regional air quality data. The Copernicus Earth Observation Programme provides daily four-day forecasts of pollutants, pollen, and aerosol tracers. Most smartphones now display this information in their weather apps.
For indoor spaces, Joseph Allen, director of Harvard University’s Healthy Buildings Program, recommends buying a low-cost air quality monitor. “You can find these just about everywhere online now. They don’t cost all that much anymore,” he told the Associated Press.
Protecting Yourself Outdoors
When smoke levels become unhealthy, the best advice is to stay indoors with windows and doors sealed. If you must go outside, wear a well-fitted N95, KN95, or KF94 mask—familiar from the pandemic. “N95 is going to get rid of 90-95% of the particles,” said Jennifer Stowell, a research scientist at Boston University’s Center for Climate and Health. “If you have access to a mask that has a respirator-type attachment to it, then that’s the very best.”
Cleaning Indoor Air
Close windows and, if possible, run an air conditioner set to recirculate indoor air. Use blankets or towels to block draughts under doors. Upgrading the unit’s filter to a MERV 13 rating can significantly improve filtration, but ensure it is fitted correctly. For those without air conditioning, portable air purifiers with HEPA filters are an effective alternative.
As climate change intensifies fire seasons across Europe, from the Mediterranean to the Nordic countries, these measures are becoming a routine part of summer preparedness. The European Union’s Copernicus programme and national health agencies continue to monitor and advise, but individual vigilance remains key.
