In recent years, as wildfires intensify across the globe, another terrifying phenomenon has been making headlines: the fire tornado, or firenado. Though it may sound like something out of a disaster movie, fire tornadoes are real — and they are among the most dangerous events nature can produce.
A Rare but Lethal Spectacle
A fire tornado forms when the extreme heat of a wildfire meets turbulent wind conditions. Rising columns of hot air begin to rotate, pulling flames and burning debris into a swirling vortex that can resemble a classic tornado. The result is a fiery column that can soar hundreds of meters into the sky, with winds powerful enough to uproot trees and spread flames across large areas.
Recent Cases Highlight Growing Risks
One of the most dramatic modern examples occurred during California’s Carr Fire in 2018, when a fire tornado with winds exceeding 230 km/h (143 mph) ripped through the city of Redding. The firenado left a trail of devastation, killing at least six people and destroying hundreds of homes.
But this is not just a modern phenomenon. Historical records describe a massive fire tornado in Tokyo in 1923, triggered by the Great Kanto Earthquake, which claimed the lives of over 30,000 people in a matter of minutes.
Scientists Warn of Climate Connections
Experts say that climate change may be increasing the likelihood of fire tornadoes. Hotter summers, prolonged droughts, and stronger winds are fueling larger and more intense wildfires — and with them, the chance of these deadly vortices.
“Fire tornadoes used to be considered once-in-a-lifetime events,” wildfire scientists explain. “Now, with extreme fire conditions becoming more common, we’re documenting them far more frequently.”
A Growing Threat to Communities
Unlike traditional tornadoes, which are tracked with weather radar, fire tornadoes emerge suddenly from active wildfires, giving residents and firefighters little time to react. Their combination of extreme heat, violent winds, and unpredictability makes them particularly dangerous.
Staying Safe During Extreme Wildfires
Authorities emphasize the importance of preparation in wildfire-prone areas. Residents are urged to:
Follow evacuation orders immediately.
Keep emergency kits ready.
Avoid canyons and valleys where fire-driven winds can intensify.
