THIS is the horrifying moment a fire tornado violently erupts in Portugal killing a mayor in its blaze.

It comes as hundreds of dangerous and deadly wildfires have plagued Europe in recent weeks with dozens of holiday hotspots left ravaged.

Portugal's northern region of Aguiar de Beira was left singed on Friday as a fire tornado cascaded through the area.

This rare phenomenon is formed in intense heat when the air surrounding a fire begins to rotate into a vortex.

Terrifying footage shows the blaze powerfully spinning, sending bursts of fire flying.

Black smoke is seen filling the air as the sky shines a fluorescent orange from the gargantuan flames.

The video also captures stretches of land singed by the fire as locals run frantically to take cover.

Almost 4,000 firefighters have

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