‘Fire Tornado’ Forms Amid Devastating Los Angeles Fires — See the Dramatic Footage

A rare “fire tornado” has emerged in the midst of Los Angeles’ raging wildfires, creating a harrowing scene as flames consume parts of the city.

The swirling vortex was captured on video by Fox 11 on Friday, January 10, showing powerful winds spiraling out of a hillside blaze in the Pacific-Palisades neighborhood, just north of Santa Monica.

The Library of Congress describes fire tornadoes as uncommon natural phenomena that occur when strong winds mix with fire, smoke, and ash. Fox 11‘s Chief Meteorologist Adam Krueger explained the event in real-time, comparing the spinning fire to dust devils seen on a baseball field.

“When air rises rapidly in one spot, creating an updraft, and a breeze intersects it, the vortex forms naturally,” Krueger said. He also mentioned that the Earth’s rotation plays a minor role in the spinning, akin to how water drains in a sink.

Related: Hollywood Sign Safe Amid Los Angeles Wildfires, Despite Viral Misleading Images

The Palisades Fire ignited on Tuesday, January 7, and has been fueled by strong winds and dry conditions, making it exceptionally hard to contain. The fire has since destroyed properties and forced widespread evacuations.

Other major fires, including the Eaton Fire and the Hurst Fire, have erupted across L.A. County in recent days. According to CNN, as of Friday, January 10, over 10,000 structures have been destroyed, and evacuation orders have been issued for more than 100,000 residents.

Tragically, the Los Angeles Department of Medical Examiner has confirmed 11 fire-related deaths under investigation.

Among those affected are numerous residents who have lost their homes, including celebrities like Anna Faris, Mandy Moore, Billy Crystal, and Paris Hilton. The devastation has left a lasting impact on the community as firefighters continue to battle the blazes.