Heatwave temperatures, drought and decades of poor forest management are producing an extreme wildfire season across Europe into July.

More than 230,000 hectares have been burnt by wildfires across Europe so far this year, according to the EU’s European Forest Fire Information System (EFFIS). As of 15 July, the cumulative total of scorched land stands at 230,049 hectares – 119 per cent above the long-term average of 106,587 hectares for this time of the year. A total of 1203 fires larger than 30 hectares have been detected, compared to 783 this time last year, which was closer to an average year for wildfire.

From mid-July, the focus has been on northern Europe and Scandinavia, and southern European regions around the Mediterranean.

Two wildfires burning in Scotland merged, creating the nation’s largest recorded wildfire event, according to the Scottish Wildfire Forum.

The fires, one burning near Carrbridge and the other near Dava moor, occurred between June 28 and July 1. The fires burned a total of 24,087 acres (9,752 hectares) and had a perimeter length of 157 miles (253 kilometers). The burned land included 21,529 acres (8,716 hectares) of moorland and peatland and 2,559 acres (1,036 hectares) of forest.

“The fires threatened homes and damaged moors, forests, peatland and farming infrastructure such as fences,” the forum said in a press release. “Smoke was an issue over a wide area. Many roads in the area had to be closed and residents were advised to close windows and doors on public health grounds. The Local Resilience Partnership, where multi-agency responses to such incidents are managed, held daily meetings.”

Scottish Land & Estates, a rural business association, said numerous businesses and estates helped government officials respond to the fire, including over 100 employees and £3.1 million in firefighting equipment. The association also sent a questionnaire out to all estates affected by the fire, seeking information on the fire’s spread and local impacts.

A report from the association found that more than 110 ATVs, fogging units, tractors, diggers, water bowsers and other assets were deployed by local businesses and estates. Several “near-miss” incidents also occurred, according to the report.

“The Scottish Wildfire Forum is deeply grateful to all those who were involved in bringing these difficult fires under control,” the forum said. “The SFRS crews alongside the expertise and dedication of keepers, foresters and farmers who work in our rural landscapes, fought for several days to ensure the fires were extinguished. People travelled great distances to bring their resources to bear. Locals volunteered and donated huge quantities of food and drinks. Our thanks go to all.”