A phenomenon known as a “fire cloud,” or pyrocumulonimbus, has been observed in France, raising concerns that it could intensify the severe wildfires scorching Europe. These massive clouds, formed by intense heat and energy from large fires, can generate lightning, burning embers, and powerful winds that accelerate blazes, and even create fire tornadoes.
Pyrocumulonimbus clouds form when a column of smoke and heat from a fire rises, cools in the low atmospheric pressure, and condenses into a cloud with water vapor. If the fire is sufficiently hot and the atmosphere unstable, these can grow up to nine miles into the stratosphere. Scientists describe these events as "unstoppable."
While typically associated with wildfire-prone regions like Canada, Australia, and California, a fire cloud was reportedly observed over France's Gironde wine region on July 24 and again on July 25. These occurrences have led to new fires in the region, further fanning the flames of an inferno that had already burned over 162 square miles by late July. The fires in Gironde forced the evacuation of 220,000 people as they approached the city of Bordeaux.
This marks a potentially new challenge for French firefighters. "Whether or not they had one a few days back or not isn't really the question….the question is whether there's one coming on Tuesday, Wednesday this week," said Rick McRae, an adjunct professor from the University of New South Wales’ bushfire research group, according to The Guardian. Firefighters have described fighting such phenomena as a "David-versus-Goliath scenario," stating they cannot be fought directly.
France is not the only country experiencing devastating wildfires. Spain declared a national emergency due to a wildfire near Madrid, which the region's president described as the worst in the area's history.