Wildfire in Oinoi creates its own weather, forming pyrocumulus clouds above Attica
A wildfire burning in Oinoi, Attica, since early afternoon on 5 July has displayed transient pyro-inductive behaviour, with the fire's heat generating its own weather system and pyrocumulus clouds, according to the METEO unit of the National Observatory of Athens.
Fire in Oinoi
A wildfire that broke out earlier in the afternoon of 5 July in Oinoi, part of the Mandra municipality in Attica, is burning through forested land in difficult terrain. Firefighting forces are being continuously reinforced. The blaze is located between areas already burned in 2021 and 2023, a factor that may influence its spread.
The fire is located between the burned areas of '21 and '23.
Pyro-inductive behaviour
Cameras from the METEO unit at Penteli captured the fire exhibiting transient pyro-inductive behaviour. This phenomenon occurs when a wildfire interacts intensely with the atmosphere, effectively creating its own weather. The heat released from burning vegetation fuels strong updrafts that, under the right atmospheric conditions, lead to the formation of pyrocumulus clouds, white clouds at the top of the fire's convective column. Their appearance often signals extreme fire behaviour.
Atmospheric conditions
Conditions on 5 July were relatively favourable for pyro-induction. Near the surface, relatively dry air promoted intense combustion and a large thermal load. Higher up, available moisture fed the convective column and facilitated the temporary formation of pyrocumulus clouds. Wind shear with height was relatively low, allowing the clouds to develop transiently.
Monitoring and response
The METEO/National Observatory of Athens shared a short time-lapse from its Penteli cameras showing the pyro-inductive episode. While the behaviour was transient, it indicates that the fire can become more unpredictable and harder to manage, even for short periods. No casualties or damage estimates have been reported so far.
