Wildfires in southwestern France have been fueled by a rare type of thundercloud, which is spreading wildfires outside the original blaze through lightning. According to French officials, this rare natural phenomenon has created major challenges in controlling the fire.
According to experts, these clouds, called ‘pyrocumulonimbus’, are created by the intense heat, smoke and moist air of wildfires rising rapidly, which in turn creates strong winds, lightning and unpredictable weather—making wildfires not only more dangerous in existing weather, but also in their own creation. France’s National Federation of Fire Fighters said it was the first time such a cloud had been officially recorded in the country’s history, although similar incidents have been reported in Australia, Canada and the United States.
The fire, which started on July 22 near the Saumos region of France, has already burned about 420 square kilometers of forest and damaged or destroyed more than 240 houses. About 220,000 people have been evacuated from Girand region for security reasons.
According to scientists, lightning is caused by electrical charges created by the collision of ice particles within clouds, which can spread fires to new areas outside the original fire. In addition, the shifting strong winds generated by these clouds spread the fire quickly and sometimes create ‘fire whirls’, making firefighting operations more dangerous.
Experts warn that climate change is increasing heatwaves and droughts in Europe, increasing the risk of wildfires. Although such cloud occurrences are still rare, they fear that such conditions may become more frequent in the future if the hot-dry weather continues.
Source: AP
Times BD/ Talha
