Burning Pyres as Hot as Volcanoes

A foot and mouth pyre in Penrith, Cumbria burned so fiercely it could be seen from outer space. The only other hotspot visible was Europe's largest active volcano, Sicilian mount Etna. The pyre was spotted by British scientist Dr David Rothery who uses infra-red satellite images to track volcanic activity. Dr Rothery said: 'The Penrith one was comparable to Etna because it had been kept burning around the clock at temperatures reaching hundreds of degrees. It was also spread over a large area, producing huge flames. Cloud cover over Britain had prevented other pyres showing up.'

Source: The Mirror, 2 May 2001