'Fire Tornado' Forms in L.A. amid Fires Ravaging the City — Watch the Harrowing Footage

Mar. 15, 2025

Fire tornado in L.A.Photo:FOX 11 Los Angeles/YouTube

FOX 11 Los Angeles/YouTube

A “fire tornado” was spotted among theflames raging Los Angeles.

The natural occurrences, which theLibrary of Congresssays are “rare,” form when strong winds mix with fire, ash and smoke.

Adam Krueger, Fox 11’s Chief Meteorologist, could be heard explaining the phenomenon in real time over the clip, likening the fire tornado to the dust swirls that can be seen on a baseball field.

“When you have air rising — you know, quicker [in] a certain spot and not so much surrounding it — you get this updraft, and then … all it takes is a little breeze coming from any direction [to meet] up with that updraft, and [it] will just kind of naturally spin like a vortex,” he said.

Fire fighter fighting the Palisades Fire in Los Angeles on Jan. 11, 2025.Etienne Laurent/AP Photo

Etienne Laurent/AP Photo

ThePalisades Firebegan its path of destruction in the Pacific-Palisades neighborhood just north of Santa Monica, Calif. on Tuesday, Jan. 7th. It has been especially difficult to contain due to a combination of high winds and dry weather.

Several other major fires have since broken out across L.A. County in the ensuing hours and days, including the Eaton Fire, the Hurst Fire and more.

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CNNreported that, as of Friday, Jan. 10, 10,000 properties have been destroyed and over 100,000 people are currently under evacuation order.

The County of Los Angeles Department of Medical Examiner (DME) reported that same day that there were 11 fire-related deaths that it was investigating.

Many in the L.A. community have lost their homes during the blazes, including notable celebrities likeAnna Faris,Mandy Moore,Billy Crystal,Paris Hiltonand more.

Click hereto learn more about how to help the victims of the L.A. fires.

source: people.com