In a dramatic display of nature's fury, a 'firenado' or fire whirl was captured on video on September 16 afternoon in Grand County, Utah, as part of the ongoing Prairie Fire which has scorched between 1,500 to 2,000 acres.

This phenomenon, where strong updrafts mix with wildfire smoke and flames, creating a spinning column of fire, was spotted near the Utah-Colorado border, intensifying the challenge for firefighters from both states.

United States - September 16, 2024

Location: Grand County, Utah, near the Colorado Border

In a dramatic display of nature's fury, a 'Firenado' or fire whirl was captured on video on September 16th afternoon in Grand County, Utah, as part of the ongoing Prairie Fire which has scorched between 1,500 to 2,000 acres. This phenomenon, where strong updrafts mix with wildfire smoke and flames, creating a spinning column of fire, was spotted near the Utah-Colorado border, intensifying the challenge for firefighters from both states.

The Prairie Fire, initially sparked by lightning, has been fueled by wind and low humidity, conditions that have pushed the fire rapidly through sage and grasslands northwards. Firefighting efforts are being led by the Lower Valley Fire District, supported by the Mesa County Sheriff's Wildland team and the Upper Colorado River Interagency Fire Management Unit. These teams are working tirelessly to contain the blaze which has crossed state lines due to the intensity of the fire whirl.

Videos circulating on social media platforms show the firenado, a rare and dangerous event where a fire generates its own wind and can throw firebrands far ahead of the main fire front, complicating containment efforts. The fire's behavior has been erratic, driven by weather conditions that have included relative humidity in the teens, making vegetation highly combustible.