The current news about forest fires in Europe might give the impression that half the continent is burning. However, measured by the total area burned, fires have been less devastating this year than the average of the past ten years. The 2023 cumulative burned area curve is actually quite close to the minimum value measured since 2012. In terms of the number of fires, 2023 is also below average. As of July 22, there have been 16,407 fires in Europe. This is the lowest number since 2012.