September 01, 2026
Spain and France experienced devastating wildfires that caused injuries and destroyed forest areas and property. A phenomenon called a pyrocumulonimbus, also known as a ‘fire cloud’, aggravated the situation in France. A fire cloud forms when moisture, smoke and ash from intense fires are emitted into the air. This leads to the formation of a storm cloud that can produce lightning and create powerful winds that can result in new fires. Thus, an existing fire creates a cloud that can produce more fires, worsen the disaster and make containment and evacuation challenging. This is the first time France has documented such a phenomenon.
DID YOU KNOW?
The speed of a wildfire can reach up to 23kms per hour.
Image for representational purposes
ACTIVITY: Spot the Fire Hazards!
Circle the things that could start a wildfire in red.
