October 8, 2026 — Flames in the volcanic vents at Kīlauea summit, captured by V1cam

The vent complex in Halemaʻumaʻu at the summit of Kīlauea that has been erupting episodically since December 2024 often features flames visibly emanating from the vents at night. These flames are thought to be the result of burning hydrogen gas. The temperature at which hydrogen ignites in air depends on its concentration. Generally, the higher the concentration of hydrogen present, the lower the temperature required for ignition. Hydrogen gas is generally present at less than 2% in and near volcanic vents. Such low concentrations need temperatures above about 1380°F (around 750°C) to ignite the hydrogen gas. Eruptive vents at Kīlauea have temperatures in excess of 1,830°F (1,000°C), which is more than sufficient to ignite the hydrogen. This image was taken by the V1cam, located on the northwest rim of the crater in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, during the early morning hours of October 8, 2026. USGS webcam image.