Photo: Bureau of Land Management - Utah
A rare fire tornado, or "firenado," with wind speeds reaching 122 mph was recorded in Utah on Saturday (July 12). The National Weather Service rated it as an EF-2 tornado, marking only the third EF2+ tornado in Utah since 2000. This firenado emerged from the Deer Creek Fire near La Sal in San Juan County, which has burned 12,906 acres and is only 7% contained. The fire has also spread into western Colorado.
The Utah Bureau of Land Management captured the firenado on video as it tore through pinyon-juniper woodland. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, though a fire engine was damaged. According to officials, the smoke plume reached about 16,700 feet above the ground. Fire tornadoes are larger versions of fire whirls, which are spinning columns of hot air and gases rising from a fire. These vortices can carry smoke, debris, and even fire, and range from under one foot to over 500 feet wide.
The phenomenon is not unheard of but remains rare. The Carr Fire in California in 2018 produced the strongest recorded fire tornado in state history, with winds up to 143 mph, resulting in three deaths and five injuries.
The Deer Creek Fire continues to pose challenges for firefighters as they work to contain it and prevent further spread.