Climate infernos: Europe's wildfires now create their own deadly weather
As France and Spain battle some of the most intense wildfires in peacetime history, a terrifying new phenomenon is emerging: pyrocumulonimbus clouds. These fire-driven storms generate their own winds and lightning, making the blazes increasingly unpredictable and self-sustaining. For New Zealanders watching from afar, the scenes offer a stark warning about the accelerating impacts of climate change on landscapes we know and love.
More than 325,000 people have been evacuated across both countries. In France's southwest Gironde region, home to Bordeaux, the main fire has created a pyrocumulonimbus cloud — a gigantic fire cloud that packs lightning and spawns new blazes, according to the National Firefighters Federation of France (FNSPF).
“It’s a David-versus-Goliath scenario,” said FNSPF spokesman Eric Brocardi. “At some point, we’ll find a weak spot and strike there.”
French President Emmanuel Macron has called a Monday morning crisis cabinet meeting. Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez warned “difficult hours lie ahead” as he visited the fire zone in Avila province, where a blaze has become the largest in Spanish history, with a perimeter of 280 kilometres encompassing 77,000 hectares.
Why are these wildfires so extreme?
Scientists say climate change is making extreme weather events more frequent and intense. Coming at the height of the summer holiday season, the fires were fuelled by woodland parched to tinder by successive heatwaves and lack of rain since May. In France, Interior Minister Laurent Nunez said the main fire was “extremely intense and unpredictable, generating its own winds and advancing erratically toward the Bordeaux metropolitan area”.
Weather forecasters warn another heatwave could hit France from Tuesday, with temperatures reaching 40°C in some areas.
The human toll and evacuation crisis
In France, more than 250,000 people have been evacuated. At least 240 homes have been destroyed in the Gironde region, many in the village of Le Porge. Two firefighters were killed near Bordeaux on Tuesday. In Spain, around 75,000 residents have been evacuated from Madrid, Avila, Toledo and Castellon. One civilian died in a separate fire near Valencia on Saturday.
Pilar, a 69-year-old New Zealand tourist who declined to give her last name, described flying into Madrid: “When we flew into Madrid we could see the fire very close to the airport.” Letisha Lucas, a 33-year-old tourist from Canada, said the smoke smell was obvious on arrival, irritating her throat.
Olga Congacha, 50, who fled her village of Robledo de Chavela west of Madrid carrying only documents and clothes, told AFP she felt “panicked” when told to leave her home. “I didn’t know whether to cry or what. It was a moment when you feel awful.”
What is being done to fight the fires?
France has deployed 2,500 firefighters, 1,500 military personnel and around 1,200 police to the Gironde region. The defence ministry has taken special steps to protect industrial sites around Bordeaux, a key aerospace hub. The main freeway south of Bordeaux and rail services have been cut. Other EU countries have sent aircraft, crews and vehicles to help both nations.
King Felipe VI, visiting an emergency shelter on Madrid’s western outskirts, said the wildfires had caused “incalculable” damage to Spain’s natural heritage.
Could this happen in New Zealand?
While New Zealand’s climate is different, the underlying drivers — hotter, drier conditions and more extreme fire weather — are already present. The 2019-2020 Australian bushfires showed how fire-generated storms can occur in our region. For Kiwis, the European fires are a reminder that no country is immune to the cascading effects of a warming planet.
FAQ: Understanding pyrocumulonimbus and fire weather
What is a pyrocumulonimbus cloud?
It is a massive, thunderstorm-like cloud formed by intense heat from a wildfire. It can generate its own winds, lightning and even fire tornadoes, making the blaze more unpredictable and dangerous.
How does climate change affect wildfires?
Climate change increases the frequency and intensity of heatwaves and droughts, which dry out vegetation and create ideal conditions for large, fast-spreading fires. It also makes extreme fire weather events more common.
Are there any deaths from these fires?
Yes. Two French firefighters died near Bordeaux on Tuesday, and one civilian died in a separate fire near Valencia, Spain, on Saturday. No other civilian deaths have been reported so far.
What should tourists do if visiting affected areas?
French authorities urge tourists to avoid the Gironde region and seek alternative destinations. Spanish officials advise checking local alerts and following evacuation orders. The fires are dynamic and can change rapidly.
Pope Leo IV, in his prayers on Sunday, expressed solidarity with all those affected by the “devastating” fires and called for prayers for victims and first responders.