Spain: Massive Smoke Tornado Erupts As Niebla Wildfire Forces Crews To Retreat.

Huelva, Spain - August 13, 2026 Specialized BRIF crews fighting the Niebla wildfire were forced to retreat to a safer area on the afternoon of August 13, 2026, after a sudden and violent change in fire behaviour. Footage shows yellow fire trucks, white support vans and other emergency vehicles racing along a winding road through dry, scrub-covered hills as a massive smoke tornado rises overhead. The towering rotating column of dark smoke dominates the landscape, with intense orange flames visible at its base. The association reported that BRIF units from Puerto el Pico, Pino and La Iglesuela, along with INFOCA resources, withdrew to a safe area because of the changing conditions and fire behaviour. Later that day, BRIF Pino released footage showing a continuous bright red flame front advancing across the hills beneath thick, dark smoke. The post said, “We want to show you the behaviour that the Niebla fire in Huelva has had today from the position of the colleagues from BRIF Pino. IMPRESSIVE!” It added, “We will not give up, tomorrow we continue!” The Niebla fire began on August 6 in the Raboconejo area of Niebla, Huelva. By mid-August, its affected perimeter was estimated at between 31,000 and more than 38,000 hectares, making it one of the largest wildfires in Andalusia’s recent history. At its height, the fire threatened communities in Huelva and neighbouring Sevilla province and led to the preventive evacuation of hundreds of residents. The massive smoke tornado reflected extreme convective activity, with intense heat generating powerful upward currents capable of producing rotating columns of smoke and fire. Such conditions made direct attack extremely dangerous. Despite the setback, teams returned in the following days. By August 14 and 15, the fire had begun losing strength, large sections of the perimeter were under control, and some evacuated residents were allowed to return home. BRIF units from Puerto el Pico, La Iglesuela and Pino continued working on containment lines alongside heavy machinery and aerial support.