Massive Wildfire Creating Dangerous and Unpredictable "Fire Whirls"

It seems this year may be the year for wildfires, and it's not over yet. The extreme heat and lack of moisture have only exacerbated the dry conditions and increased the risk of fires.

While the Canadian wildfires burned through the forest, California and Nevada are now dealing with extreme fire behavior in the form of "fire whirls". Yes, you heard that right. The York Fire, California's largest wildfire of the year that began Friday, has already consumed 77,000 acres and currently remains completely uncontrolled as of Monday night.

The fire began in the New York Mountain Range of California's Mojave National Park and continued to grow as it crossed the Nevada state line. And as it grows, so do the whirls of fire.

What Are Fire Whirls?

As the heat from the fire rises in the air, cold air takes it place, and as a result, it creates a spinning vortex which carries not just fire, but smoke and debris as well. Fire whirls can also be referred to as "fire tornadoes" as they resemble the look and pose similar danger as a tornado.