This Saturday, a rare phenomenon known as a pyrocumulus cloud was observed, triggered by the fire burning in the district of Vila Real.
The Meteo Trás os Montes – Portugal Facebook page shared images showing a column of smoke that then starts to resemble a cloud.
In the comments of the two posts, several users mentioned they also witnessed the phenomenon from locations such as Vila Nova de Famalicão, Lamego, Peso da Régua, and Vila Nova de Gaia, sharing their images as well.
What is a Pyrocumulus?
The pyrocumulus or cumulonimbus flammagenitus is a meteorological phenomenon arising in the context of atmospheric instability, forming a dense cloud following a fire or volcanic activity. They generally have the shape of a cauliflower.
In the case of a forest fire, the intense heat generates vigorous upward currents of very hot air, mixed with gases and smoke and ash particles from the burning of plant material.
Es simplemente descomunal. Estos comportamientos son los más extremos que puede tener un IF.
Foto de Meteo Tras os Montes Facebrook pic.twitter.com/lmnD6snCd5— Ignacio Villaverde (@WildlandFirefig) August 2, 2025
It should be noted that the fire in Sabrosa, in the district of Vila Real, has two active fronts. The deputy sub-regional commander of the Douro stated that ground teams have been placed at strategic points, particularly in São Martinho de Anta and the industrial area of Sabrosa.
About 281 operatives and 91 vehicles have been mobilized to combat this fire, according to the Civil Protection website, consulted at 10:50 PM.
