Incredible footage captured a fire vortex, or “firenado”, that formed over the Deer Creek wildfire in Utah.
The vortex occurred on Saturday, July 12, pulling flames high into the air and causing additional structure damage in the area. Fortunately the uncommon weather phenomenon did not lead to any injuries, though one Bureau of Land Management fire engine did see some damages and was pulled from fire operations.
Fire whirls can grow in size anywhere from less than one foot to more than 500 feet in diameter. These vortexes can reach tornado-strength speeds, and some of the more extreme events are classified as fire tornadoes. Fire tornadoes initiate their own weather system further concentrating the rotation.
The Deer Creek Fire burning in eastern Utah has grown to 10,058 acres as of Monday, July 4th, still with 0% containment. A total of 300 personnel are working to fight the fire including 5 helicopters, 15 engines, 5 crews, and 5 dozers.
