The \high-risk forest fire season in the Balearic Islands\ has ended with \72 fires and 32 hectares burned\ between \1 May and 15 October 2026\, according to figures presented by the Balearic Government. “We have experienced a summer with \very high temperatures and significant periods of drought\. Despite these conditions, the area affected by forest fires has remained \limited\,” said the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and the Natural Environment, \Joan Simonet\, who highlighted the rapid response of firefighting teams.
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A water-bomber aircraft takes part in efforts to extinguish a forest fire in the Balearic Islands. Photo: D. G. Gestió Forestal.
Across 2026, up to \15 October\, a total of \86 forest fires affecting 36.4 hectares\ have been recorded, figures below the averages of recent decades.
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Forest fires in the Balearic Islands remain below the historical average\
The 86 fires recorded so far this year are below the annual average of \115 fires\ over the past twenty years. The difference is particularly significant in terms of burned area: \36.4 hectares compared with a historical average of 681\.
Looking at the past decade, the annual average stands at \89 fires affecting 141 hectares\.
Almost \90% of the area burned in 2026\ was affected during the high-risk season. Of the 32 hectares burned during this period, 41% was wooded land, with the remainder consisting of scrubland, reedbeds and areas of cane.
According to figures provided by the Conselleria, \96% of summer days recorded above-average temperatures\, while drought conditions were particularly severe in Menorca.
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Mallorca accounts for 81% of the area burned\
\Mallorca\ has recorded the largest area of forest land affected so far this year, with \29.6 hectares and 56 fires\, representing \81% of the total area burned\ in the Balearic Islands.
In \Eivissa\, there have been \21 fires affecting 4.7 hectares\; in \Menorca\, three fires affecting 1.8 hectares; and in \Formentera\, six fires affecting 0.34 hectares.
Six fires reached \Potential Severity Index 1 (IGP 1)\ because of their characteristics or proximity to homes and infrastructure. These occurred at \Son Muntaner (Palma), Cala Domingos (Manacor), Benimussa (Sant Josep de sa Talaia), Son Fortesa (Puigpunyent), Torrent Major (Sóller) and Roca Llisa (Santa Eulària des Riu)\.
Five were contained before reaching one hectare, while the \Son Fortesa fire affected 2.2 hectares\. The largest fire of the season occurred at \Can Milec, in Muro, where ten hectares burned\. It was classified as IGP 0.
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99% of forest fires are linked to human activity\
Provisional investigation findings indicate that \99% of forest fires are linked to human activity\, whether through negligence, accidents or deliberate acts. Deliberately started fires account for \15% of the total\, while only 1% is attributed to natural causes such as lightning.
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Joan Simonet during a visit to the forest firefighting operation’s control centre. Photo: J. S.
\Joan Simonet\ stressed that the results should not lead to complacency. “The overall assessment is positive, but despite the encouraging figures, \we must not become complacent\. The risk of forest fires exists throughout the year, and we must continue to exercise caution and focus on prevention,” he warned.
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A firefighting operation involving 350 professionals and ten aircraft\
The \Operativo Interinsular de Incendios Forestales (OIIF – Inter-Island Forest Firefighting Operation)\ deployed \around 350 professionals\ during the season, including IBANAT staff, Agents de Medi Ambient (Environmental Officers) and Conselleria technical personnel.
The operation had \five helicopters and five aeroplanes\, which could be deployed between islands according to the needs of each emergency. Coordination between ground and air crews enabled rapid intervention once fires were detected, helping to limit their spread.
The operation and the work of professionals involved in forest fire prevention and firefighting were featured in an \\article published in the spring–summer 2026 edition of \Mallorca Global Mag\\\, offering a closer look at how the response to these emergencies is organised.
Firefighting teams also assisted with agricultural fires and operations related to storms and flooding. In addition, during July, an amphibious aircraft from the operation travelled to the Comunitat Valenciana to help extinguish the fire in Vall d’Uixó.
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Prevention continues after the high-risk season\
The end of the high-risk season on 15 October does not mean that the danger of forest fires has disappeared. The Balearic Government emphasises that prevention and forest management work must continue throughout the year.
The Conselleria recommends exercising particular caution, especially in areas where homes are close to woodland, and complying with restrictions on the use of fire.
Current conditions and restrictions can be checked at \alertafoc.caib.es\.
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