French firefighters are confronting "pyrocumulonimbus" clouds for the first time, a phenomenon that intensifies ongoing wildfires in southwestern France. The National Federation of French Firefighters (FNSPF) announced on 26/7 that these clouds typically form during volcanic eruptions or when wildfires intensely heat the air near the ground, causing it to rise rapidly. As this air cools, it condenses into a "fire cloud"—a turbulent cloud mass capable of generating its own winds, which further intensifies the blaze. If the cloud grows large, it can even produce lightning.

This phenomenon primarily occurs in Australia and North America, regions prone to frequent wildfires. NASA likens these clouds to "fire-breathing dragons".

Wildfire erupting near Saint-Jean-d'Illac, southwestern France, on 26/7. *Photo: Reuters*

Eric Brocardi, a spokesperson for the FNSPF, explained the process: "Ground temperatures at the center of the blaze rise so high that intense heat ascends in columns, encountering cooler air masses above. This interaction creates a charged cloud, also known as a fire cloud, completely devoid of moisture. This cloud generates its own weather system, causing anything in its path to spontaneously combust."

During this phenomenon, lightning can form within the cloud itself, striking embers on the ground and intensifying the blaze, accompanied by rumbling sounds. The fire establishes its own convection mechanism, constantly shifting wind direction instead of spreading conically like typical fires.

According to Brocardi, it is impossible to predict how widely the fire will spread, and firefighters cannot directly confront it, as it is an unequal battle. He stated that forces are awaiting the right moment to identify a weakness and address it.

"Salvation will come from above, like heavy rain, though it would need to rain very heavily for three days. Alternatively, we will find a way to direct the fire towards a place where it will extinguish itself, such as the sea," the FNSPF spokesperson assessed.

Brocardi noted that French firefighters currently have few viable options, forcing them to "strategically retreat" and accept that this natural phenomenon is beyond their control.

"We understand that we are facing a helpless situation. However, that helplessness does not allow us to be discouraged. It is certain that every effort made will yield results. We cannot let firefighters feel that the work they are doing on the ground is futile," Brocardi said, referring to tasks firefighters are performing, such as protecting key locations and rescuing animals.

The FNSPF spokesperson added that not all firefighters from across France could converge on this area because the risk of fire is present everywhere.

Hundreds of thousands of people in France have been evacuated as large wildfires continue to spread. In France's Gironde region, home to Bordeaux, renowned for its wine production, local authorities issued evacuation orders for over 250,000 people in response to the wildfires. This marks one of France's largest evacuation operations since World War II.

French Interior Minister Laurent Nunez stated that the wildfire situation remains "very unfavorable." The fires are reigniting fiercely and progressing unpredictably, with high temperatures causing the blazes to generate their own winds, spreading the fire in unforeseeable directions.

Ngoc Anh (According to AFP, Reuters)