A phenomenon known as a fire tornado appears to have formed amidst the wildfires being tackled in Moimenta da Beira, in the district of Viseu. Images shared on social media illustrate the unusual phenomenon taking shape in a blazing area, characterized by ascending hot air.
This whirlwind arises when intense heat from a fire heats the surrounding air, causing it to rotate and form a vortex that can contain flames, ash, and debris.
The fire broke out on Friday afternoon, initially mobilizing more than 500 personnel. Over 24 hours later, approximately 400 firefighters are still battling the blaze that erupted in the parish of Alvite.
A total of 124 vehicles and ten aircraft are assisting in firefighting efforts.
The fire posed a threat to homes during the night in Paraduça and again this morning in Alvite. However, as of this afternoon, no homes are at risk, and the situation is “better than on Friday,” according to João Silva, a board member of the Moimenta da Beira Fire Department, in the latest update.
The fire in Alvite, Moimenta da Beira (Viseu), remains out of control, with two active fronts, and it is the most personnel-heavy fire in Portugal, with close to 500 firefighters involved in the battle.
Lusa | 16:06 – 09/08/2025
José Requeijo, deputy regional commander for Emergency and Civil Protection at the Douro Sub-Regional Command, stated that the situation was “encouraging” and if operations continue to progress as they have this afternoon, there could be good news by day’s end.
View the gallery images above.
