Overview

• The Deer Creek Fire in southeastern Utah has scorched nearly 9,000 acres with zero containment as fire vortices persist.
• BLM crews captured and authenticated video of the July 12 vortex, confirming it as a fire whirl powered by intense updrafts.
• Scientists debate whether such phenomena should be termed fire whirls, 'firenadoes' or the more intense 'pyrotornadoes' based on their formation mechanisms.
• Recent fire vortices have damaged hoses and command equipment, forcing crews to withdraw from front-line positions for safety.
• Evacuation orders remain in place and experts warn that climate change is fueling more frequent extreme fire behavior.