Hidden Dangers of Tornado Api Behind Los Angeles Forest Fires
In a recent warning issued by the National Weather Service (NWS) of the United States, a combination of strong winds and dry conditions in Los Angeles has raised concerns about the potential for large wildfires. While the warning did not specifically mention tornadoes, meteorologist Todd Hall highlighted the possibility of a phenomenon known as tornado api occurring under extreme conditions.
Understanding the Threat: Tornado Api Explained
The term “tornado api” has been used by various groups, including scientists, firefighters, and the general public, to describe swirling columns of fire that can form during wildfires. While there is some disagreement on the exact nature of these phenomena, they are often likened to fire whirls, fire devils, or tornado api. The National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) in the US does not include tornado api in its glossary, defining fire whirls as rotating columns of hot, gaseous air that rise from a fire, lifting smoke, debris, and flames.
Professor Leila Carvalho from the University of California, Santa Barbara, shed light on the formation of these fire whirls, explaining that fires generating smoke plumes can create clouds capable of producing lightning or ash whirls containing smoke and fire. She emphasized that the rotation is induced by strong wind shear and localized low-pressure systems, which can intensify the flames by drawing in air.
The Devastating Impact of Tornado Api
In a tragic incident in 2018, a firefighter lost his life when a tornado api, equivalent in size to three American football fields, erupted during a massive and ferocious wildfire near Redding in Northern California. Scientists revealed that this fire tornado formed when a towering 11-kilometer ice-covered cloud ascended into the air, generating powerful winds of up to 230 kilometers per hour.
Assistant Professor James Urban from the Worcester Polytechnic Institute highlighted the dangerous nature of fire tornadoes, emphasizing their ability to change direction unpredictably. He pointed out that the interplay between wind patterns, fire masses, and terrain features determines whether a fire tornado will manifest, with certain topographies creating conditions conducive to spiral formations.
Staying Vigilant Against Nature’s Fury
As we face the hidden perils of tornado api amidst the ongoing wildfire season, it is crucial for communities, firefighters, and researchers to remain vigilant and prepared for the unpredictable forces of nature. By understanding the mechanisms behind these fire whirls and their potential impact, we can work towards mitigating their destructive consequences and safeguarding lives and landscapes against the ravages of wildfires.
