French wildfire created a monster cloud, unleashing lightning that ignited more fires
Summary
A large wildfire in southwest France created a rare giant storm cloud called a pyrocumulonimbus. This cloud produced lightning that sparked new fires and strong winds that changed the fire's behavior, making the situation worse.Key Facts
- The wildfire started near Saumos in the Gironde region on July 22, 2026.
- It has burned more than 420 square kilometers (162 square miles) of land.
- Over 240 homes have been damaged or destroyed, and 220,000 people were forced to evacuate.
- The fire created a pyrocumulonimbus, a thunderstorm cloud formed by intense heat.
- This cloud produced lightning that ignited additional fires beyond the original blaze.
- The phenomenon caused violent and unpredictable winds that spread the flames.
- Pyrocumulonimbus clouds are rare in Europe and more common in North America and Australia.
- Firefighters in France had never recorded such a cloud before this event.
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