firefan
A firefan, also known as a fire whirl or fire tornado, is a rare and dangerous phenomenon that occurs during intense wildfires. It is a spinning vortex of flame and burning debris that can reach heights of up to 3,000 feet and travel at speeds of up to 100 miles per hour. Firefans are typically formed when strong winds cause a fire to spin, creating a funnel-like structure of flame and smoke. They are often associated with the most severe and destructive wildfires, as they can spread fire rapidly and unpredictably.
Firefans are a significant challenge for firefighters, as they can be difficult to detect and predict, and
The formation of a firefan is influenced by a variety of factors, including wind speed and direction,
In recent years, there has been an increased focus on understanding and predicting the behavior of wildfires,