DENVER (KDVR) — As wildfires continue to scorch thousands of acres across the West, residents in and around Colorado witnessed a rare and dramatic weather phenomenon: the “firenado.”
Officially called a fire whirl, this natural event resembles a tornado made of fire. According to Pinpoint Weather Meteorologist Greg Perez, firenados form when intensely hot air rises rapidly, creating a spinning vortex that lifts flames and embers high into the sky.
How a Firenado Forms
Perez explains the process:
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Hot air rises in vertical columns during wildfires.
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As this air rises quickly, it creates wind rotation, spinning the air.
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The rising, spinning air pulls flames and embers into a swirling fire vortex.
Though rare, fire whirls can be extremely dangerous. “They spread flames quickly and can ignite spot fires far from the original blaze,” Perez said.
Where They Were Seen
One firenado was captured by South Metro Fire Rescue after a wildfire erupted near 9844 Titan Court, consuming over 100 acres. Officials reported the blaze was about 90% contained as of Monday morning.
Another dramatic firenado was caught on video Sunday near Louviers, where multiple fire whirls formed simultaneously. On the Utah-Colorado border, Utah Fire Info documented a firenado emerging from the Dear Creek Fire, calling it a smoke “vortex” as flames shot skyward in a tornado-like swirl.
Other Fires Burning in Colorado
In addition to the firenado events, several wildfires remain active across Colorado:
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Sowbelly Fire – Dominguez-Escalante National Conservation Area
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South Rim Fire – Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
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Mesa County Fires – Several smaller blazes continue to smolder
Evacuations and Containment
Though evacuation orders have been lifted for some affected areas like Louviers, firefighters remain on alert. Weather conditions — especially high heat, low humidity, and gusty winds — continue to pose a risk for fire flare-ups and additional firenado formation.
“These fire whirls may look like something out of a movie, but they’re real, fast-moving, and very dangerous,” said Perez.
As wildfire season intensifies across the West, officials urge residents to stay alert, heed evacuation orders, and avoid wildfire zones.
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