Large firenado forms over Deer Creek Fire near La Sal, Utah

A large fire vortex, or firenado, formed over the Deer Creek Fire near La Sal, Utah, on July 12, 2025, amid rapidly intensifying wildfire conditions. The vortex damaged a fire engine and prompted the temporary withdrawal of fire crews.

A fire vortex, commonly referred to as a “firenado,” developed on July 12, over the Deer Creek Fire in southeastern Utah, approximately 30 km (18 miles) south of Moab. The vortex, captured on camera, visibly lifted flames and smoke high into the atmosphere as fire crews worked in extreme heat and wind conditions.

The incident occurred during active firefighting operations on a blaze that had already consumed over 4 000 ha (10 000 acres) of grass, brush, and timber. According to Utah Fire Info, more than 300 firefighting personnel were assigned to the Deer Creek Fire at the time, supported by five helicopters and 15 engines.

The strength of the vortex caused damage to a Bureau of Land Management (BLM) fire engine, prompting the temporary withdrawal of firefighting crews from the immediate area for safety.

Evacuations were in place along Old La Sal Road and parts of Highway 46, while sections of the Manti-La Sal National Forest were closed as a precaution. Fire officials reported 0% containment as of the morning of July 13, and the fire continued to exhibit extreme behavior due to high temperatures, low humidity, and gusty winds.

Meteorologist Lindsay Storrs from KMYU explained that such fire vortices form when intense heat from a wildfire generates powerful updrafts that begin to rotate under certain wind conditions.

When the spinning column of air interacts with flames, it can produce a self-sustaining vertical vortex, sometimes reaching wind speeds in excess of 160 km/h (100 mph). While often short-lived, fire whirls can contribute to erratic fire spread and pose hazards to firefighting personnel.

Fire vortex is a recognized but relatively rare phenomenon in wildland fire behavior, particularly so large and visible.

They differ from true tornadoes in origin but can exhibit comparable rotational structure and velocity. Most of them are localized and short in duration, though some have caused fatalities and severe damage in past wildfire events.

Featured image credit: Utah Fire Info

Reet Kaur

I’m a science journalist and researcher at The Watchers, contributing to the Epicenter edition, where I cover peer-reviewed scientific research and emerging discoveries across Earth and space sciences. With a background in astronomy and a passion for environmental science, I’ve worked in shark and coral conservation in Fiji, conducting reef and shark-behavior research, contributing to mangrove restoration, and earning PADI Open Water and Coral Reef Certifications. I bring a blend of scientific rigor and storytelling to illuminate the discoveries shaping our planet and beyond.

This author does not have any more posts.