Fire whirls are tornadoes made of fire caused by wildfires

Fire Whirls: Tornadoes Made of Fire Caused by Wildfires

Fire whirls, also known as fire tornadoes, are fascinating and dangerous weather phenomena that occur during wildfires. These swirling vortices are composed of flame or ash and resemble a tornado made entirely of fire. Fire whirls can range in size from small eddies to large, destructive whirlwinds, posing a significant threat to both firefighters and communities.

Formation and Causes

Fire whirls typically form when there are intense heat and turbulent winds surrounding a fire. They are most commonly observed in large and intense wildfires. The specific conditions required for their formation are complex, but generally, a combination of factors contributes to the development of a fire whirl.

One of the primary causes of fire whirls is the extreme temperature difference between the ground level and the air above. When hot air rises rapidly from the surface due to a wildfire, it creates an updraft. The updraft can then interact with wind shear, which results in the rotation of the rising column of air. As the updraft continues to grow vertically, it draws in additional air from the surroundings, further increasing the rotation and forming a swirling vortex of fire.

Characteristics and Behavior

Fire whirls exhibit similar characteristics to tornadoes, albeit with a significant distinction: they are composed primarily of flame or ash rather than water droplets. Like tornadoes, fire whirls can generate their own strong winds, capable of reaching remarkable speeds. These winds can create a swirling column of fire, extending from the surface to the cloud base above.

The behavior of a fire whirl can vary widely depending on its size and intensity. Smaller fire whirls are relatively short-lived and tend to last only a few minutes. On the other hand, larger and more powerful fire whirls can persist for longer durations, moving across the landscape and spreading the wildfire in their path. These larger fire whirls can also produce enhanced radiant heating, tossing embers and debris considerable distances, potentially igniting new fires far from the main blaze.

Impact and Dangers

The presence of fire whirls during wildfires presents significant dangers to both humans and the surrounding environment. Fire whirls can unleash intense heat, capable of causing severe burns and extending the range of the fire. Their strong winds can also quickly change direction, making them highly unpredictable and difficult to navigate for firefighters.

Additionally, fire whirls can generate powerful vertical drafts, effectively sucking up nearby debris, including burning embers, trees, and structures. This phenomenon can lead to an increased fire spread rate and higher threat levels to nearby communities and firefighters.

Conclusion

Fire whirls, often referred to as fire tornadoes, are awe-inspiring yet dangerous weather phenomena that occur during wildfires. These swirling vortices, composed of flame or ash, create their own strong winds and can spread wildfires at an alarming rate. Understanding the formation, characteristics, and dangers associated with fire whirls is crucial for mitigating their impact and protecting affected areas.

Source: Wikipedia