This visualization is based on data from the GWIS (Global Wildfire Information System), which compiles satellite observations of burned areas around the world.
Beyond showing how much of the planet burns each year, the chart highlights the seasonal rhythm of wildfires. Not all countries follow the same pattern: some experience fires mainly in winter, others in summer. In a few cases, such as France, winter spikes appear to be linked to intentional burns rather than natural fires.
Some extreme events stand out clearly, like the massive wildfires which happened in Spain this year. Their intensity far exceeds anything recorded since 2012.