Average area burnt per wildfire in Switzerland
Switzerland: Average area burnt per wildfire was 75 hectares in 2026. ◆ Volatile
Average area burnt per wildfire in Switzerland, 2015–2026
Source: Global Wildfire Information System (2026) – with minor processing by Our World in Data. Measured in hectares.
Analysis
The most recent figure for average area burnt per wildfire in Switzerland is 75 hectares, measured in 2026.
Compared with earlier readings it is down 40.8% on the previous year and down 55.4% over ten years.
Over the whole period, average area burnt per wildfire in Switzerland peaked at 168.33 hectares in 2016 and was at its lowest, 13 hectares, in 2019.
Switzerland ranks 182nd of 182 countries on this measure, in the bottom quarter.
The series is highly variable year to year, so single readings are best treated with caution.
Average area burnt per wildfire in Switzerland, year by year
| Year | hectares | Change |
|---|---|---|
| 2015 | 40.5 hectares | — |
| 2016 | 168.33 hectares | +315.6% |
| 2017 | 30.11 hectares | -82.1% |
| 2018 | 35.67 hectares | +18.5% |
| 2019 | 13 hectares | -63.6% |
| 2020 | 80 hectares | +515.4% |
| 2021 | 25 hectares | -68.8% |
| 2022 | 123.33 hectares | +393.3% |
| 2023 | 126.67 hectares | +2.7% |
| 2026 | 75 hectares | -40.8% |
Switzerland compared with similar countries
- Switzerland's 75 hectares is below the median for high income countries, which is 215 hectares, 35% of the median. (59 countries reporting)
- Switzerland's 75 hectares is below the median for Europe & Central Asia, which is 207.64 hectares, 36% of the median. (48 countries reporting)
Averages by decade
| Decade | Average | Lowest | Highest | Years |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2010s | 57.52 hectares | 13 hectares | 168.33 hectares | 5 |
| 2020s | 86 hectares | 25 hectares | 126.67 hectares | 5 |
Countries ranked near Switzerland
More reference data data for Switzerland
- Emission Totals - Indirect emissions (N2O) - Manure applied to Soils 0.5507 (2050)
- Emission Totals - Indirect emissions (N2O) - Manure left on Pasture 0.2683 (2050)
- Emission Totals - Indirect emissions (N2O) - IPCC Agriculture 1.24 (2050)
- Emission Totals - Indirect emissions (N2O) - Crop Residues 0.05 (2050)
- Emission Totals - Indirect emissions (N2O) - Agricultural Soils 1.24 (2050)
- Emission Totals - Emissions (N2O) - Manure applied to Soils 1.85 (2050)
- Emission Totals - Emissions (N2O) - Manure Management 1.28 (2050)
- Emission Totals - Emissions (N2O) - Manure left on Pasture 1.37 (2050)
- Emission Totals - Emissions (N2O) - IPCC Agriculture 6.28 (2050)
- Emission Totals - Emissions (N2O) - Crop Residues 0.272 (2050)
Frequently asked questions
- What is average area burnt per wildfire in Switzerland?
- Average area burnt per wildfire in Switzerland was 75 hectares in 2026, according to Global Wildfire Information System (2026) – with minor processing by Our World in Data.
- What is the highest average area burnt per wildfire recorded in Switzerland?
- The highest recorded value was 168.33 hectares in 2016.
- What is the lowest average area burnt per wildfire recorded in Switzerland?
- The lowest recorded value was 13 hectares in 2019.
- How does Switzerland rank for average area burnt per wildfire?
- Switzerland ranks 182nd out of 182 countries with data for 2026.
- Is average area burnt per wildfire rising or falling in Switzerland?
- Over the last ten years it is down 55.4%. The long-run trend across the full record is volatile.
- Where does this Switzerland data come from?
- The figures come from Global Wildfire Information System (2026) – with minor processing by Our World in Data, published as part of Average area burnt per wildfire. Statizoid updates them automatically from the source API.
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About this data
Average area burnt per wildfire, in hectares. The 2026 data is incomplete and was last updated 18 September 2026.