A spinning inferno in California reached wind speeds comparable to an EF-3 tornado

Countries & Cities · Published 15 October 2026 · Updated 25 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: During the 2018 Carr Fire, a terrifying meteorological phenomenon emerged: a massive, rotating fire vortex with winds hitting 143 miles per hour. Scientists are still debating whether this spinning beast was a standard fire whirl or a rare, true fire tornado, a distinction that could eventually help save lives.

On July 26, 2018, the Carr Fire in California produced a violent vortex that reached temperatures of 2,700°F. This event was captured by radar, revealing that a pyrocumulonimbus cloud—a thunderstorm-capable cloud generated by the fire's intense heat—was present directly above the rotation. As this cloud rapidly expanded in size, the vortex intensified, stretching more than 3.2 miles into the atmosphere. This structural growth and the sheer velocity of the winds led researchers to compare the event to an EF-3 tornado.

Despite these similarities, the classification of the event remains contested. While the vortex exhibited tornado-like characteristics, radar data did not confirm a physical connection between the spinning column and the base of the cloud, leaving experts uncertain if it qualifies as a true 'pyrotornado.' This event differed significantly from the only other scientifically documented fire tornado, which occurred in Canberra, Australia, in 2003. The Canberra event featured a damage track of 12.4 miles and repeatedly lifted from the ground, whereas the Carr Fire vortex had a much shorter damage path of approximately 3,300 feet and remained closely tied to the fire's intensity.

Understanding these phenomena is difficult because they are hazardous to observe and often occur amidst the chaos of protecting lives. Currently, meteorologists cannot forecast when a fire will trigger such a vortex. However, researchers believe that by utilizing advanced satellite and radar technology on the fire line, they may eventually be able to detect dangerous circulations before they fully develop. Even a few minutes of advance warning could provide critical time for firefighters and residents to reach safety, marking a vital step forward in wildfire management and atmospheric science.

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