The current news about forest fires in Europe can give the impression that half the continent is burning. However, in terms of the area burned, the 2023 fires were less devastating 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. Through July 22, there have been 16,407 fires in Europe. This is the lowest figure since 2012.