A large “smokenado” formed as fire crews in northern Portugal tackled a wildfire on Tuesday, August 22, in the Alvão mountains north of Vila Real.

Spectacular footage posted by Ricardo Cruz da Silva shows the towering smoke-filled whirlwind whip up smoke and flames as it spun over the scorched mountainside.

Officials said the fire broke out on Sunday, August 21, and burned through at least 6,000 hectares of bush and pine forest, most of it in Alvão Natural Park. It was brought under control on Wednesday, according to local media.

The blaze reignited later on Wednesday, however, and was brought under control again early on Thursday morning, reports said. Credit: Ricardo Cruz da Silva via Storyful

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