Utah
Watch: ‘Firenado’ caught on video in Utah during Deer Creek Fire
A “firenado,” a large wildfire caught up in a swift tornado, was spotted in eastern Utah, near the Colorado border, last weekend.
The fire-induced tornado developed within the Deer Creek Fire just after 1 p.m. MT on Saturday, July 12, according to the National Weather Service (NWS). The “firenado,” which was given an EF-2 rating, lasted for about 12 minutes. Tornados ranked as an EF-2 are deemed “significant” and exhibit a wind speed of 111-136 miles per hour.
No injuries were reported by fire personnel, but buildings in the area did sustain fire and wind damage, according to the NWS.
“In a state built by pioneers who prepared for hard seasons, we must meet this moment with the same resolve,” Utah Sen. John Curtis wrote in an X post on Thursday, July 17. “I urge every Utahn to take seriously the fire restrictions currently in place.”
Watch ‘firenado’ form amid Utah wildfire
‘Firenado’ forms in Utah’s Deer Creek Fire
A massive fire vortex was seen forming at the Deer Creek Fire close to Utah’s border with Colorado.
What is the Deer Creek Fire?
Deer Creek Fire started on Thursday, July 10 and as of Friday, July 18, had burned more than 15,600 acres, according to Utah Fire. The cause of the fire remains undetermined. The fire is located within Deer Creek State Park, along the border of Utah and Colorado.
Is the Deer Creek Fire contained?
As of Friday, July 18, 11% of Deer Creek Fire was contained, according to Utah Fire.
Evacuation notices issued for Deer Creek Fire
The Montrose County Sheriff’s Office has issued pre-evacuations for areas around Deer Creek State Park. Residents in the affected areas are encouraged to check for local updates, prepare go-kits of supplies, put animal evacuation plans into place, inform loved ones of evacuation plans and leave areas that feel unsafe.
To sign up for emergency alerts, visit the Montrose County Sheriff’s Office at montrosecountysheriffsoffice.com/montrose-alerts/.
Greta Cross is a national trending reporter at USA TODAY. Story idea? Email her at gcross@usatoday.com.