OVPF-IPGP currently lists Piton de la Fournaise at Vigilance. The January 2026 eruption ended on 20 January; low-level summit seismicity and routine monitoring continue.
Piton de la Fournaise
One of Earth’s most active basaltic shield volcanoes—where frequent eruptions, giant collapse structures and fast-moving lava continually rebuild the south-eastern corner of La Réunion.
La Réunion’s living shield
Piton de la Fournaise forms the active south-eastern end of La Réunion, a volcanic island built above a mantle hotspot in the Indian Ocean.
The volcano is a broad basaltic shield whose frequent eruptions commonly begin with seismic crises, summit deformation and the opening of fissures. Many events remain inside the Enclos Fouqué, a large horseshoe-shaped collapse structure that naturally channels much of the activity towards the uninhabited eastern flank.
Its summit is dominated by Dolomieu crater, alongside the smaller Bory crater. The summit region changes through collapse, fissuring, crater-floor subsidence and the accumulation of new lava.
The latest eruption began on 1 January 2026 and ended on 20 January. OVPF-IPGP now lists the volcano at Vigilance while continuing to monitor summit seismicity, deformation, gas and rockfalls.
The Furnace
The volcano’s name translates as “Peak of the Furnace”, a fitting description for a system that repeatedly opens glowing fissures across black basalt.
Most eruptions are effusive. Basaltic magma rises quickly, fractures the summit or flanks and feeds curtains of fire, spatter cones and lava channels. The fountains may be modest compared with explosive stratovolcanoes, but the lava volume can still transform large areas.
When eruptive fissures open high inside the Enclos, lava commonly travels east towards the Grand Brûlé and the Indian Ocean. Longer-lived events may threaten the Route Nationale 2, cross the coast and create new land.
How Piton de la Fournaise works
The Enclos Fouqué
The Enclos Fouqué is the giant collapse amphitheatre surrounding the summit and opening towards the east.
Its cliffs and steep walls help contain many eruptions, while the open eastern side guides lava towards the Grand Brûlé and the sea. This natural structure is one reason so many eruptions can occur without directly threatening towns.
That containment is not guaranteed. Historic eruptions outside the Enclos have affected inhabited sectors, and new magma intrusions may travel along different pathways.
Watching a rapidly changing volcano
OVPF-IPGP combines dense ground networks, field observations and satellite data because crises at Piton de la Fournaise can develop quickly between the first strong signals and eruption onset.
Eruptions through history
Early documented eruptions
Historic observations established the volcano’s reputation for frequent basaltic activity.
Piton Sainte-Rose threatened
An eruption outside the Enclos sent lava through the village and around the church of Notre-Dame-des-Laves.
Flows reach the sea
A major eruption outside the usual containment zone cut roads and created new coastal land.
Dolomieu collapse
An exceptionally large eruption drained the summit system and triggered major collapse inside Dolomieu crater.
Frequent eruptive period
Repeated summit and flank eruptions reinforced Piton de la Fournaise’s status as one of the world’s most active volcanoes.
Extended Enclos eruption
A prolonged eruption produced multiple cones and extensive lava fields inside the Enclos.
New Year eruption
A seismic crisis on 1 January led to an eruption that continued until 20 January.
Vigilance and monitoring
Low-level activity continues to be assessed through daily OVPF-IPGP bulletins.
Main hazards
Lava flows
The principal hazard, capable of cutting roads, destroying structures and reaching the ocean.
Earthquakes
Magma intrusion and structural movement may produce strong felt seismicity.
Volcanic gas
SO₂ affects air quality near vents and downwind, especially during sustained eruptions.
Spatter and tephra
Fragments around active fissures create severe danger close to eruptive vents.
Crater collapse
Dolomieu and other summit structures can fail suddenly during or after magma withdrawal.
Ocean entry
Lava entering the sea creates unstable deltas, steam explosions and acidic plumes.
The furnace that builds an island
“Piton de la Fournaise is compelling because creation is visible everywhere: new cones, new lava fields and sometimes new coastline. Yet every addition to the island begins with magma forcing its way through a restless and closely watched volcanic system.”
This editorial summary is based on the scientific information presented above. It does not replace official monitoring, access restrictions or public-safety guidance from OVPF-IPGP and the Préfecture de La Réunion.
Piton de la Fournaise explained
What is the current alert level?
OVPF-IPGP currently lists Piton de la Fournaise at Vigilance.
Is it erupting now?
No. The January 2026 eruption ended on 20 January.
When did it last erupt?
The latest eruption began on 1 January 2026 and ended on 20 January 2026.
What is Dolomieu?
Dolomieu is the large active summit crater at Piton de la Fournaise.
What is the Enclos Fouqué?
It is the large collapse enclosure surrounding the summit and opening towards the eastern flank.
Why are eruptions so frequent?
The volcano has a persistent basaltic magma supply and a shallow summit storage system capable of repeated recharge.
Who monitors the volcano?
The Observatoire Volcanologique du Piton de la Fournaise, part of IPGP, operates the monitoring networks.
Can visitors enter the Enclos?
Access depends on current prefectural restrictions, volcanic activity, weather and trail conditions.
Can lava reach towns?
Yes. Historic eruptions outside the Enclos have affected inhabited areas, including the 1977 eruption near Piton Sainte-Rose.
Can lava reach the sea?
Yes. Flows have repeatedly crossed the Grand Brûlé and entered the Indian Ocean.
Is Piton de la Fournaise explosive?
Most eruptions are effusive, but fountains, tephra, gas and sudden collapse remain important hazards.
Where are official updates published?
Use the OVPF-IPGP daily and monthly bulletins and the Préfecture de La Réunion.
Official science, made readable
Volcoholics Atlas chapters use official observatory publications, civil-protection information and authoritative eruption records. Editorial passages explain why the observations matter while keeping official monitoring and safety guidance clearly separate.