EF-2 Firenado from the Deer Creek Fire in Utah

A fire tornado was spotted near La Sal, Utah on Saturday, July 12 (below). This is also known as a firenado or fire whirl.

This formed because of the Deer Creek Fire burning in Utah. The fire is over 14,000 acres and 7% contained.

The National Weather Service out of Grand Junction, CO has given this a preliminary EF-2 rating. They stated that the firenado was on the ground for about 12 minutes. The report put out states, "Many of the affected structures burned after the tornado occurred, but wind damage sustained by the remaining structures resulted in the tornado being given an EF-2 rating."

No residents or fire personnel were injured.

How does a firenado happen?

1. Intense Heat from a Wildfire: A large wildfire produces an enormous amount of heat, which causes the air directly above it to rapidly rise. This rising hot air creates a powerful updraft.

2. Spinning Air is Introduced: If there are strong winds or turbulent conditions nearby, they can introduce rotation into this updraft. The rotation could be from wind shear (a change in wind direction or speed with height) or from nearby topography funneling the wind.

3. Vortex Tightens and Strengthens: As the hot air continues to rise and spin, it forms a vortex — similar to a dust devil. The spinning column of air can tighten and intensify, pulling flames, smoke, ash, and burning debris upward into the air.