Photo & Video Chronology — Flaming vents at Kīlauea summit

By Hawaiian Volcano Observatory October 9, 2026

USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory (HVO) scientists—and astute watchers of the HVO livestream cameras—have periodically observed yellow to orange-colored flames emanating from the two vents inside of Halemaʻumaʻu at the summit of Kīlauea volcano. What causes this to occur?

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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 video 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 video.

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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, with the vent geometry being an important factor to allow the hydrogen gas to be efficiently ignited. In most cases, flames are observed emanating from a hornito or small spatter cones on top of or within the vents. In this sort of geometry, water-rich magmatic gas can accumulate inside the orifice and stay in an oxygen-poor state because it has not yet mixed with the oxygen-rich ambient atmosphere. The hornito or small spatter cone effectively acts as a super-hot nozzle to help induce the combustion of hydrogen, which creates the flames. This video was taken by the V3cam, located on the south rim of the crater in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, during the early morning hours of October 8, 2026. USGS webcam video.