‘Like a blowtorch’: Powerful winds fueled tornadoes of flame in Tubbs Fire 
 
 The firestorm flipped over cars, like one on Dogwood Drive in the devastated Coffey Park neighborhood of Santa Rosa. The firestorm flipped over cars, like one on Dogwood Drive in the devastated Coffey Park neighborhood of Santa Rosa. Photo: Gabrielle Lurie, The Chronicle Buy photo Photo: Gabrielle Lurie, The Chronicle Image 1 of / 83 Caption Close ‘Like a blowtorch’: Powerful winds fueled tornadoes of flame in Tubbs Fire 1 / 83 Back to Gallery 
 
 The Tubbs Fire that raged through Santa Rosa last week unleashed a series of fiery tornadoes powerful enough to flip cars, yank trees out of the ground and rip homes apart, fire scientists said Wednesday. 
 
 Gusts of up to 73 mph were recorded at the weather stations after the fires broke out Oct. 8, but the extraordinary damage documented during postmortem evaluations indicated that much more powerful forces were at play. 
 
 “We had trees ripped out of the ground, cars turned over, garage doors ripped off their hinges and wrapped around trees in the front yards,” said Scott Upton, the northern region chief for the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, and an expert on fire behavior. “It was no different than a hurricane, really, but instead of rain we had a fire event. I’ve been in this business 30 years and it’s the worst I’ve seen.” 
 
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 Upton said fire whirls, also known as fire tornadoes, probably happened in all the North Bay fires, but the most destructive evidence was found in Santa Rosa neighborhoods flattened by the Tubbs Fire, which has killed at least 22 people and burned 36,432 acres. Recovery teams are still searching for remains in the rubble. 
 
 The homes destroyed in the city’s Fountaingrove and Coffey Park neighborhoods burned in rapid succession. As flames driven by powerful winds slammed into the neighborhoods, the heat rose up, pulling the wind with it and creating a kind of vortex of air that circled around at hurricane-force speeds. 
 
 “Think about the massive release of heat in a fire like that, and then the wind gets obstructed by homes and you get the eddying,” Upton said. “The hot air mixes with cooler air, and that’s when it will start to turn, creating a fire whirl.” 
 
 The whirling winds blew fire sideways into homes in Santa Rosa, peeled off roofs, and even lifted and turned vehicles. Survivors recounted running out of their homes into the equivalent of a blast furnace, with embers flying everywhere amid a terrible gale. 
 
 “They can be incredibly powerful if you add more heat or wind or fuel, like in this fire,” he said. 
 
 Upton compared the situation to Lake County’s Rocky Fire in August 2015, when superheated flames, fueled by dry brush, sent huge clouds of smoke as far as 35,000 feet into the atmosphere, where they actually formed ice caps, pushing out wind in every direction. 
 
 In the Tubbs Fire, superheated air also lifted off the ground and created wind, but that’s where the similarities end. 
 
 Upton said fire tornadoes normally occur in open spaces, kind of like the way dust devils form on farmland and fields. He said the the 2003 Cedar Fire, which burned 280,000 acres, destroyed 2,232 homes and killed 15 people in San Diego County, is the closest comparison. 
 
 Just like the Wine Country blazes, the Cedar Fire spread rapidly as a result of Santa Ana winds and fire tornadoes. The 1991 Oakland Hills Fire, which killed 25 people and destroyed 3,500 houses, also created its own weather — a firestorm. 
 
 Fire whirls can be extremely violent. They have been known to lift all-terrain vehicles off the ground. In 1926, a fire whirl in San Luis Obispo lifted an entire home into the air and carried it across a field before dropping it. Two people were killed. 
 
 The phenomenon can’t happen without strong winds and dry fuel, which have been in abundance throughout Northern California. 
 
 The night the fires started on Oct. 8, the winds were a steady 40 mph, pushing flames east to west through a valley in the hills along Petrified Forest and Mark West Springs roads, feeding it like oxygen nourishes a torch, and driving it into the flatland neighborhoods. 
 
 “Just like water flows from higher to lower elevation, winds flow down a pressure gradient as they go from high pressure to low pressure,” said Max Moritz, a wildfire specialist with the UC Cooperative Extension. “When they get concentrated, like through a mountain pass, they will speed up, like a river going through a narrow channel.” 
 
 Moritz said powerful winds also drove the Hanley Fire, which burned almost the exact same area in 1964. 
 
 That fire, which ignited when a hunter discarded a cigarette, burned 83,000 acres over a week and leveled 84 homes, 24 summer cabins and countless farm buildings; included was the historic Tubbs Mansion. Nobody was killed in the fire, which was finally halted on the north perimeter of Santa Rosa, but those who fought it were traumatized. 
 
 “This is the craziest fire I’ve ever seen,” Grant King, the chief of the Guerneville Fire Department, told The Chronicle at the time. “The wind just hangs back, then fire comes in a rush with the wind, and you’re dead.” 
 
 The wind-driven Tubbs Fire shot out of the same canyon into Fountaingrove and Coffey Park. 
 
 “It was a very different kind of fire that happened Sunday night,” said Ken Pimlott, the director of Cal Fire. “The fire was almost horizontal. When it hit those homes it was like a blowtorch. With all those fires burning, it generated so much heat that it created its own circular patterns.” 
 
 Upton said the Atlas Fire, which blasted through Napa Valley homes and wineries, threw embers way out in front, causing spot fires, and also occasionally formed fire whirls, but it didn’t display as much wind power as the Tubbs Fire did. 
 
 “I've seen fires melt cars and literally reduce them to little more than metal and aluminum pooled on the ground,” he said, but he hadn’t seen destruction like he saw last week. “To flip a car over has to be some significant winds.” 
 
 Peter Fimrite is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: pfimrite@sfchronicle.com ||||| Photo: Courtesy Of Linn Walsh / / Courtesy Of Linn Walsh Image 1 of / 80 Caption Close 
 
 Image 1 of 80 Mill Valley Fire Chief Tom Welch lost his home in the North Bay wildfires, city officials said. Mill Valley Fire Chief Tom Welch lost his home in the North Bay wildfires, city officials said. Photo: Courtesy Of Linn Walsh / / Courtesy Of Linn Walsh 
 
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 Image 3 of 80 Buy photo A water tanker truck to support fire crews overturned, killing the driver on Oakville Grade near Highway 29 on Monday, Oct. 16, 2017 in Oakville, CA. A water tanker truck to support fire crews overturned, killing the driver on Oakville Grade near Highway 29 on Monday, Oct. 16, 2017 in Oakville, CA. Photo: Paul Kuroda, Special To The Chronicle Buy this photo 
 
 Image 4 of 80 Buy photo Fire along the ridge in Oakville being doused by helicopters on Monday, Oct. 16, 2017 in Oakville, CA. Fire along the ridge in Oakville being doused by helicopters on Monday, Oct. 16, 2017 in Oakville, CA. Photo: Paul Kuroda, Special To The Chronicle Buy this photo 
 
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 Image 6 of 80 A large plume of smoke rises above the mountains between Napa and Sonoma, Calif., on Sunday, October 15, 2017. A large plume of smoke rises above the mountains between Napa and Sonoma, Calif., on Sunday, October 15, 2017. Photo: Scott Strazzante, The Chronicle 
 
 Image 7 of 80 Buy photo Scott family members Melody (left), Jenna, 9, Olivia, 3, being held by Kaylee, 12, and Daniel, 9, at New Hope Baptist service at the DoubleTree hotel in Rohnert Park. Scott family members Melody (left), Jenna, 9, Olivia, 3, being held by Kaylee, 12, and Daniel, 9, at New Hope Baptist service at the DoubleTree hotel in Rohnert Park. Photo: Gabrielle Lurie / Gabrielle Lurie / The Chronicle Buy this photo 
 
 Image 8 of 80 Brittany Perry hands out a free ash sifter to a fire victim at Pacific Coast Custom Interiors in Santa Rosa, Calif., on Sunday, October 15, 2017. Brittany Perry hands out a free ash sifter to a fire victim at Pacific Coast Custom Interiors in Santa Rosa, Calif., on Sunday, October 15, 2017. Photo: Scott Strazzante, The Chronicle 
 
 Image 9 of 80 From atop his truck parked along Highway 29, Marcos Barrera of Napa watches fires burn west of St. Helena, Calif., on Sunday, October 15, 2017. From atop his truck parked along Highway 29, Marcos Barrera of Napa watches fires burn west of St. Helena, Calif., on Sunday, October 15, 2017. Photo: Scott Strazzante, The Chronicle 
 
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 Image 11 of 80 After the mandatory fire evacuation order was lifted, 10-year-old twins Porter and Katie Lynch pause while riding their bikes on Cedar Street in Calistoga, Calif., on Sunday, October 15, 2017. After the mandatory fire evacuation order was lifted, 10-year-old twins Porter and Katie Lynch pause while riding their bikes on Cedar Street in Calistoga, Calif., on Sunday, October 15, 2017. Photo: Scott Strazzante, The Chronicle 
 
 Image 12 of 80 Caroll Niel leans on her husband, firefighter Tony Niel, in the motorhome where they are staying following the Tubbs fire on Friday, Oct. 13, 2017, in Forestville, Calif. Caroll Niel leans on her husband, firefighter Tony Niel, in the motorhome where they are staying following the Tubbs fire on Friday, Oct. 13, 2017, in Forestville, Calif. Photo: Noah Berger / Special To The Chronicle 
 
 Image 13 of 80 Santa Rosa firefighter Tony Niel passes a portion of fence standing at his Mark West Estates home, which burned during the Tubbs fire, on Thursday, Oct. 12, 2017, in Santa Rosa. Santa Rosa firefighter Tony Niel passes a portion of fence standing at his Mark West Estates home, which burned during the Tubbs fire, on Thursday, Oct. 12, 2017, in Santa Rosa. Photo: Noah Berger / Special To The Chronicle 
 
 Image 14 of 80 Santa Rosa Assistant Fire Marshal Paul Lowenthal walks through his Oxford Ct. residence, which burned during the Tubbs fire, on Thursday, Oct. 12, 2017, in Santa Rosa. Santa Rosa Assistant Fire Marshal Paul Lowenthal walks through his Oxford Ct. residence, which burned during the Tubbs fire, on Thursday, Oct. 12, 2017, in Santa Rosa. Photo: Noah Berger / Special To The Chronicle 
 
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 Image 16 of 80 Photo: The Chronicle 
 
 Image 17 of 80 Buy photo Statue at the Mondavi Winery and a groundsman mows lawn as fires burn on Monday, Oct. 16, 2017 in Oakville, CA. Statue at the Mondavi Winery and a groundsman mows lawn as fires burn on Monday, Oct. 16, 2017 in Oakville, CA. Photo: Paul Kuroda, Special To The Chronicle Buy this photo 
 
 Image 18 of 80 Josiah Gist (right) joins fellow Santa Cruz firefighters in using pool water in firefighting efforts at a large home that burned in The Ranch subdivision in Sonoma, Calif., on Saturday, October 14, 2017. Josiah Gist (right) joins fellow Santa Cruz firefighters in using pool water in firefighting efforts at a large home that burned in The Ranch subdivision in Sonoma, Calif., on Saturday, October 14, 2017. Photo: Scott Strazzante, The Chronicle 
 
 Image 19 of 80 A firefighter walks through what remains of a large home that burned in The Ranch subdivision in Sonoma, Calif., on Saturday, October 14, 2017. A firefighter walks through what remains of a large home that burned in The Ranch subdivision in Sonoma, Calif., on Saturday, October 14, 2017. Photo: Scott Strazzante, The Chronicle 
 
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 Image 21 of 80 Three firefighters look at a large home that burned in The Ranch subdivision in Sonoma, Calif., on Saturday, October 14, 2017. Three firefighters look at a large home that burned in The Ranch subdivision in Sonoma, Calif., on Saturday, October 14, 2017. Photo: Scott Strazzante, The Chronicle 
 
 Image 22 of 80 The sun sets over Sonoma, Calif., on Saturday, October 14, 2017. The sun sets over Sonoma, Calif., on Saturday, October 14, 2017. Photo: Scott Strazzante, The Chronicle 
 
 Image 23 of 80 Smoke in the hills east of Sonoma, Calif., on Saturday, October 14, 2017. Smoke in the hills east of Sonoma, Calif., on Saturday, October 14, 2017. Photo: Scott Strazzante, The Chronicle 
 
 Image 24 of 80 The chimney is all that remains standing at a large home that burned in The Ranch subdivision in Sonoma, Calif., on Saturday, October 14, 2017. The chimney is all that remains standing at a large home that burned in The Ranch subdivision in Sonoma, Calif., on Saturday, October 14, 2017. Photo: Scott Strazzante, The Chronicle 
 
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 Image 26 of 80 Santa Cruz firefighters' Josiah Gist and Ian Adams carry a hose over the pool of a large home that burned in The Ranch subdivision in Sonoma, Calif., on Saturday, October 14, 2017. Santa Cruz firefighters' Josiah Gist and Ian Adams carry a hose over the pool of a large home that burned in The Ranch subdivision in Sonoma, Calif., on Saturday, October 14, 2017. Photo: Scott Strazzante, The Chronicle 
 
 Image 27 of 80 Fire fighters work on putting out hotspots at a home off Lovall Rd in Sonoma, California, USA 14 Oct 2017. Fire fighters work on putting out hotspots at a home off Lovall Rd in Sonoma, California, USA 14 Oct 2017. Photo: Peter DaSilva, Special To The Chronicle 
 
 Image 28 of 80 Gss main continues to burn at a home destroyed by flames early Saturday morning along the 1100 block of Castle Rd in Sonoma, California, USA 14 Oct 2017. Gss main continues to burn at a home destroyed by flames early Saturday morning along the 1100 block of Castle Rd in Sonoma, California, USA 14 Oct 2017. Photo: Peter DaSilva, Special To The Chronicle 
 
 Image 29 of 80 A water tender sprays water along the roadside to put out hot spots along the 1100 block of Castle Rd in Sonoma, California, USA 14 Oct 2017. A water tender sprays water along the roadside to put out hot spots along the 1100 block of Castle Rd in Sonoma, California, USA 14 Oct 2017. Photo: Peter DaSilva, Special To The Chronicle 
 
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 Image 31 of 80 Sun rises behind burned out hillside east of the town of Sonoma, California, USA 14 Oct 2017. Sun rises behind burned out hillside east of the town of Sonoma, California, USA 14 Oct 2017. Photo: Peter DaSilva, Special To The Chronicle 
 
 Image 32 of 80 Fire fighters work on putting out hotspots in a garage at a home off Lovall Rd in Sonoma, California, USA 14 Oct 2017. Fire fighters work on putting out hotspots in a garage at a home off Lovall Rd in Sonoma, California, USA 14 Oct 2017. Photo: Peter DaSilva, Special To The Chronicle 
 
 Image 33 of 80 Search and rescue worker rests on his car after looking through the rubble of a home on Millbrook Drive on Friday, Oct. 13, 2017, in Santa Rosa, Calif. Search and rescue worker rests on his car after looking through the rubble of a home on Millbrook Drive on Friday, Oct. 13, 2017, in Santa Rosa, Calif. Photo: Mason Trinca, Special To The Chronicle 
 
 Image 34 of 80 Search and rescue worker looks through the rubble of a home on Millbrook Drive on Friday, Oct. 13, 2017, in Santa Rosa, Calif. Search and rescue worker looks through the rubble of a home on Millbrook Drive on Friday, Oct. 13, 2017, in Santa Rosa, Calif. Photo: Mason Trinca, Special To The Chronicle 
 
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 Image 36 of 80 Search and rescue workers dig the rubble of a home on Millbrook Drive on Friday, Oct. 13, 2017, in Santa Rosa, Calif. Rosa, Calif. Search and rescue workers dig the rubble of a home on Millbrook Drive on Friday, Oct. 13, 2017, in Santa Rosa, Calif. Rosa, Calif. Photo: Mason Trinca, Special To The Chronicle 
 
 Image 37 of 80 California Highway Patrol officer Tracy Ross (center) talks on the phone while assiting Tom Sours (left) of Napa, as he was trying to get to his home to pick up some items on Friday, October 13, 2017 in Napa, Calif. less California Highway Patrol officer Tracy Ross (center) talks on the phone while assiting Tom Sours (left) of Napa, as he was trying to get to his home to pick up some items on Friday, October 13, 2017 in Napa, ... more Photo: Lea Suzuki, The Chronicle 
 
 Image 38 of 80 Search and rescue workers search for Tubbs fire victims at Journey's End Mobile Home Park on Friday, Oct. 13, 2017, in Santa Rosa, Calif. According Sgt. Dave Thompson, in charge of search and rescue operations for the Sonoma County Sheriffs Office, crews have recovered another body at the site. less Search and rescue workers search for Tubbs fire victims at Journey's End Mobile Home Park on Friday, Oct. 13, 2017, in Santa Rosa, Calif. According Sgt. Dave Thompson, in charge of search and rescue operations ... more Photo: Noah Berger, Special To The Chronicle 
 
 Image 39 of 80 Search and rescue workers from the Sonoma County Sheriffs Office search for Tubbs fire victims at Journey's End Mobile Home Park on Friday, Oct. 13, 2017, in Santa Rosa, Calif. According Sgt. Dave Thompson, in charge of search and rescue operations for the Sonoma County Sheriffs Office, crews have recovered another body at the site. less Search and rescue workers from the Sonoma County Sheriffs Office search for Tubbs fire victims at Journey's End Mobile Home Park on Friday, Oct. 13, 2017, in Santa Rosa, Calif. According Sgt. Dave Thompson, in ... more Photo: Noah Berger, Special To The Chronicle 
 
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 Image 41 of 80 Search and rescue workers use human remain detection dogs to search for Tubbs fire victims at Journey's End Mobile Home Park on Friday, Oct. 13, 2017, in Santa Rosa, Calif. According Sgt. Dave Thompson, in charge of search and rescue operations for the Sonoma County Sheriffs Office, crews have recovered another body at the site. less Search and rescue workers use human remain detection dogs to search for Tubbs fire victims at Journey's End Mobile Home Park on Friday, Oct. 13, 2017, in Santa Rosa, Calif. According Sgt. Dave Thompson, in ... more Photo: Noah Berger, Special To The Chronicle 
 
 Image 42 of 80 A man shows a burnt paper after a wildfire moved through the area in Santa Rosa and Napa Valley in California, United States on October 13, 2017. Massive out-of-controls wildfires have claimed at least 31 people and destroyed 3,500 homes in Northern California as the deadliest in state history. (Photo by Tayfun Coskun/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images) less A man shows a burnt paper after a wildfire moved through the area in Santa Rosa and Napa Valley in California, United States on October 13, 2017. Massive out-of-controls wildfires have claimed at least 31 ... more Photo: Anadolu Agency/Getty Images 
 
 Image 43 of 80 The remains are seen after a wildfire moved through the area in Santa Rosa and Napa Valley in California, United States on October 13, 2017. Massive out-of-controls wildfires have claimed at least 31 people and destroyed 3,500 homes in Northern California as the deadliest in state history. (Photo by Tayfun Coskun/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images) less The remains are seen after a wildfire moved through the area in Santa Rosa and Napa Valley in California, United States on October 13, 2017. Massive out-of-controls wildfires have claimed at least 31 people and ... more Photo: Anadolu Agency/Getty Images 
 
 Image 44 of 80 Chrystal Couto holds a poster of her grandmother as Aaron Austin looks on in Santa Rosa, Calif. on Friday, Oct. 13, 2017. The couple from Redway, are searching for Couto's grandmother and her husband, who haven't been heard from since a wildfire tore through the older couple's Santa Rosa neighborhood. They are hanging flyers in evacuation centers with photos of the older couple. (AP Photo/Paul Elias) less Chrystal Couto holds a poster of her grandmother as Aaron Austin looks on in Santa Rosa, Calif. on Friday, Oct. 13, 2017. The couple from Redway, are searching for Couto's grandmother and her husband, who ... more Photo: Paul Elias/AP 
 
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 Image 46 of 80 Flowers mark the spot where their father died as Chuck and Mike (R) Rippey stand in the ruins of the house of 100-year-old Charles and 98-year-old Sara Rippey, who were killed in the Atlas Fire just after it began, on October 12, 2017 near Napa, California. Thousands homes have burned and two dozen people have been confirmed dead so far as numerous wildfires continue to spread in eight Northern California counties. (Photo by David McNew/Getty Images) less Flowers mark the spot where their father died as Chuck and Mike (R) Rippey stand in the ruins of the house of 100-year-old Charles and 98-year-old Sara Rippey, who were killed in the Atlas Fire just after it ... more Photo: David McNew/Getty Images 
 
 Image 47 of 80 Wine tanks burned by the Tubbs fire stand behind Robert Ellison's sculpture "Frame" at Paradise Ridge Vineyard & Winery in Santa Rosa, Calif., on Thursday, Oct. 12, 2017. Wine tanks burned by the Tubbs fire stand behind Robert Ellison's sculpture "Frame" at Paradise Ridge Vineyard & Winery in Santa Rosa, Calif., on Thursday, Oct. 12, 2017. Photo: Noah Berger, Special To The Chronicle 
 
 Image 48 of 80 In this Tuesday, Oct. 10, 2017, photo provided by Sam Brinkerhoff, his wife Monica Brinkerhoff takes a photo of her wedding ring that was found in the burned remains of her home in Santa Rosa, Calif. She had hoped to retrieve a passport from her fire-resistant safe, but that too was consumed by the flames. She wasn't prepared for what she did find, the couple's soot-covered engagement rings, with a pair of etched hearts still visible on one of the bands. (Sam Brinkerhoff via AP) less In this Tuesday, Oct. 10, 2017, photo provided by Sam Brinkerhoff, his wife Monica Brinkerhoff takes a photo of her wedding ring that was found in the burned remains of her home in Santa Rosa, Calif. She had ... more Photo: Sam Brinkerhoff/AP 
 
 Image 49 of 80 Firefighters try to extinguish a house fire during the Tubbs Fire on October 12, 2017 near Calistoga, California. At least thirty one people have died in wildfires that have burned tens of thousands of acres and destroyed over 3,500 homes and businesses in several Northern California counties. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images) less Firefighters try to extinguish a house fire during the Tubbs Fire on October 12, 2017 near Calistoga, California. At least thirty one people have died in wildfires that have burned tens of thousands of acres ... more Photo: Justin Sullivan/Getty Images 
 
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 Image 51 of 80 A CalFire chief runs past burning grass during a firing operation while battling the Tubbs Fire on October 12, 2017 near Calistoga, California. At least thirty one people have died in wildfires that have burned tens of thousands of acres and destroyed over 3,500 homes and businesses in several Northern California counties. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images) less A CalFire chief runs past burning grass during a firing operation while battling the Tubbs Fire on October 12, 2017 near Calistoga, California. At least thirty one people have died in wildfires that have burned ... more Photo: Justin Sullivan/Getty Images 
 
 Image 52 of 80 Two firefighters watch for spot fires Friday, Oct. 13, 2017, near Calistoga, Calif. Firefighters gained some ground on a blaze burning in the heart of California's wine country but face another tough day ahead with low humidity and high winds expected to return. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong) less Two firefighters watch for spot fires Friday, Oct. 13, 2017, near Calistoga, Calif. Firefighters gained some ground on a blaze burning in the heart of California's wine country but face another tough day ahead ... more Photo: Jae C. Hong, Associated Press 
 
 Image 53 of 80 A CalFire firefighter uses a hand tool as he monitors a firing operation while battling the Tubbs Fire on October 12, 2017 near Calistoga, California. At least thirty one people have died in wildfires that have burned tens of thousands of acres and destroyed over 3,500 homes and businesses in several Northern California counties. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images) less A CalFire firefighter uses a hand tool as he monitors a firing operation while battling the Tubbs Fire on October 12, 2017 near Calistoga, California. At least thirty one people have died in wildfires that have ... more Photo: Justin Sullivan/Getty Images 
 
 Image 54 of 80 A firefighter carries a water hose to put out a fire during along the Highway 29 Friday, Oct. 13, 2017, near Calistoga, Calif. Firefighters gained some ground on a blaze burning in the heart of California's wine country but face another tough day ahead with low humidity and high winds expected to return. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong) less A firefighter carries a water hose to put out a fire during along the Highway 29 Friday, Oct. 13, 2017, near Calistoga, Calif. Firefighters gained some ground on a blaze burning in the heart of California's ... more Photo: Jae C. Hong, Associated Press 
 
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 Image 56 of 80 Firefighters watch from their fire trucks as wildfires continue to burn Thursday, Oct. 12, 2017, near Calistoga, Calif. Some of the state's most historic tourist sites, including Sonoma city and Calistoga in Napa Valley, were ghost towns populated only by fire crews trying to stop the advancing infernos. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong) less Firefighters watch from their fire trucks as wildfires continue to burn Thursday, Oct. 12, 2017, near Calistoga, Calif. Some of the state's most historic tourist sites, including Sonoma city and Calistoga in ... more Photo: Jae C. Hong, Associated Press 
 
 Image 57 of 80 The Puerta la Cruz female inmate firefighter crew clears vegetation near homes in Dry Creek Canyon to try to save them as the Partrick Fire approaches on October 12, 2017 west of Napa, California. Inmate hand crews work under the supervision of Cal Fire, which refers to them as firefighters rather than prisoners because they perform the same job as the elite Hot Shot firefighter crews. Thousands of homes have burned, at least 31 people confirmed killed with hundreds still missing as California wildfires continue to spread out of control. (Photo by David McNew/Getty Images) less The Puerta la Cruz female inmate firefighter crew clears vegetation near homes in Dry Creek Canyon to try to save them as the Partrick Fire approaches on October 12, 2017 west of Napa, California. Inmate hand ... more Photo: David McNew/Getty Images 
 
 Image 58 of 80 Firefighters try to extinguish a house fire during the Tubbs Fire on October 12, 2017 near Calistoga, California. At least thirty one people have died in wildfires that have burned tens of thousands of acres and destroyed over 3,500 homes and businesses in several Northern California counties. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images) less Firefighters try to extinguish a house fire during the Tubbs Fire on October 12, 2017 near Calistoga, California. At least thirty one people have died in wildfires that have burned tens of thousands of acres ... more Photo: Justin Sullivan/Getty Images 
 
 Image 59 of 80 Neighbors gather along Old Vineyard Road to watch the progress of the fire as the Partrick Fire continue to burn slowly east of Sonoma, Calif., on Thursday, October 12, 2017. The Napa and Sonoma valleys continue to be under threat from several fires not yet under control and growing fears that strong winds might worsen the situation. less Neighbors gather along Old Vineyard Road to watch the progress of the fire as the Partrick Fire continue to burn slowly east of Sonoma, Calif., on Thursday, October 12, 2017. The Napa and Sonoma valleys ... more Photo: Carlos Avila Gonzalez, The Chronicle 
 
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 Image 61 of 80 Buy photo Flames erupt off Lovall Valley Road as the Partrick Fire continue to burn slowly east of Sonoma, Calif., on Thursday, October 12, 2017. The Napa and Sonoma valleys continue to be under threat from several fires not yet under control and growing fears that strong winds might worsen the situation. less Flames erupt off Lovall Valley Road as the Partrick Fire continue to burn slowly east of Sonoma, Calif., on Thursday, October 12, 2017. The Napa and Sonoma valleys continue to be under threat from several fires ... more Photo: Carlos Avila Gonzalez, The Chronicle Buy this photo 
 
 Image 62 of 80 Homes leveled by the Tubbs fire line a neighborhood of Santa Rosa, Calif., on Wednesday, Oct. 11, 2017. Homes leveled by the Tubbs fire line a neighborhood of Santa Rosa, Calif., on Wednesday, Oct. 11, 2017. Photo: Noah Berger, Special To The Chronicle 
 
 Image 63 of 80 Buy photo A Cal Fire helicopter drops water on a smoldering area as the Partrick Fire continue to burn slowly east of Sonoma, Calif., on Thursday, October 12, 2017. The Napa and Sonoma valleys continue to be under threat from several fires not yet under control and growing fears that strong winds might worsen the situation. less A Cal Fire helicopter drops water on a smoldering area as the Partrick Fire continue to burn slowly east of Sonoma, Calif., on Thursday, October 12, 2017. The Napa and Sonoma valleys continue to be under threat ... more Photo: Carlos Avila Gonzalez, The Chronicle Buy this photo 
 
 Image 64 of 80 Dr. Emily Putt tries to calm an anxious horse as her friend retrieves tranquilizers to administer to it as they rescue two horses for an evacuation Oct. 11, 2017 in Sonoma, Calif. Putt has been working with her friends since Monday, when the fires broke out, to rescue animals that are being threatened by the fires. less Dr. Emily Putt tries to calm an anxious horse as her friend retrieves tranquilizers to administer to it as they rescue two horses for an evacuation Oct. 11, 2017 in Sonoma, Calif. Putt has been working with her ... more Photo: Leah Millis, The Chronicle 
 
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 Image 66 of 80 A grove of trees near Trinity Road glows as it burns near a vineyard after a mandatory evacuation was called in the area of Glen Ellen, Calif., on Wednesday, October 11, 2017. The Napa and Sonoma valleys continue to be under threat from several fires not yet under control and growing fears that strong winds might worsen the situation. less A grove of trees near Trinity Road glows as it burns near a vineyard after a mandatory evacuation was called in the area of Glen Ellen, Calif., on Wednesday, October 11, 2017. The Napa and Sonoma valleys ... more Photo: Carlos Avila Gonzalez, The Chronicle 
 
 Image 67 of 80 Two police officers direct a motorist to return at a road closure at Madrone Road after a mandatory evacuation was called in the area of Glen Ellen, Calif., on Wednesday, October 11, 2017. The Napa and Sonoma valleys continue to be under threat from several fires not yet under control and growing fears that strong winds might worsen the situation. less Two police officers direct a motorist to return at a road closure at Madrone Road after a mandatory evacuation was called in the area of Glen Ellen, Calif., on Wednesday, October 11, 2017. The Napa and Sonoma ... more Photo: Carlos Avila Gonzalez, The Chronicle 
 
 Image 68 of 80 Off. Richard Quintana and fellow California Highway Patrol officers go door to door urging residents to leave Sonoma, Calif., on Wednesday, Oct. 11, 2017. Off. Richard Quintana and fellow California Highway Patrol officers go door to door urging residents to leave Sonoma, Calif., on Wednesday, Oct. 11, 2017. Photo: Noah Berger, Special To The Chronicle 
 
 Image 69 of 80 John Gilson and Derek DeBendetti (left to right) try to put out a hot spot at Cardinal Newman High School in Santa Rosa, Ca. on Wednesday, October 11, 2017. Gilson is Dean of Students at Cardinal Newman as well as the Varsity Women's Soccer coach and Freshman Baseball coach. DeBanedetti is a math teacher at Cardinal Newman and the Varisty Baseball Coach. The school suffered major damages in the Tubbs Fire. less John Gilson and Derek DeBendetti (left to right) try to put out a hot spot at Cardinal Newman High School in Santa Rosa, Ca. on Wednesday, October 11, 2017. Gilson is Dean of Students at Cardinal Newman as well ... more Photo: Alex Washburn, The Chronicle 
 
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 Image 71 of 80 A firefighter works in a devastated neighborhood as an American flag flies from the remains of a home on Willowview Ct. off Skyview Dr. Oct. 11, 2017 in Santa Rosa, Calif. A firefighter works in a devastated neighborhood as an American flag flies from the remains of a home on Willowview Ct. off Skyview Dr. Oct. 11, 2017 in Santa Rosa, Calif. Photo: Leah Millis, The Chronicle 
 
 Image 72 of 80 Karen Balestieri and Heidi Facciano (left to right) marvel at a pond of live koi fish which survived the Tubbs fire in the neighborhood referred to by locals as 'old fountaingrove' in Santa Rosa, Ca. on Wednesday, October 11, 2017. less Karen Balestieri and Heidi Facciano (left to right) marvel at a pond of live koi fish which survived the Tubbs fire in the neighborhood referred to by locals as 'old fountaingrove' in Santa Rosa, Ca. on ... more Photo: Alex Washburn, The Chronicle 
 
 Image 73 of 80 Burned out and collapsed house along Mt Veeder Rd after flames from the Nuns fire moved through the Mt Veeder area in Napa, California, USA 11 Oct 2017. Burned out and collapsed house along Mt Veeder Rd after flames from the Nuns fire moved through the Mt Veeder area in Napa, California, USA 11 Oct 2017. Photo: Peter DaSilva, Special To The Chronicle 
 
 Image 74 of 80 Fire fighters clear a downed tree from across Mt Veeder Rd after flames from the Nuns fire moved through the Mt Veeder area in Napa, California, USA 11 Oct 2017. Fire fighters clear a downed tree from across Mt Veeder Rd after flames from the Nuns fire moved through the Mt Veeder area in Napa, California, USA 11 Oct 2017. Photo: Peter DaSilva, Special To The Chronicle 
 
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 Image 76 of 80 Workers move historic items from the Sonoma Barracks Oct. 11, 2017 in downtown Sonoma, Calif. California State Parks decided to move the items from the Barracks and Mission San Francisco Solano as a precautionary measure as fires burned beyond the town. less Workers move historic items from the Sonoma Barracks Oct. 11, 2017 in downtown Sonoma, Calif. California State Parks decided to move the items from the Barracks and Mission San Francisco Solano as a ... more Photo: Leah Millis, The Chronicle 
 
 Image 77 of 80 A primary school classroom at St. Rose School is seen with damages caused by the Tubbs fire in Santa Rosa, Ca. on Wednesday, October 11, 2017. A primary school classroom at St. Rose School is seen with damages caused by the Tubbs fire in Santa Rosa, Ca. on Wednesday, October 11, 2017. Photo: Alex Washburn, The Chronicle 
 
 Image 78 of 80 Buy photo A firefighter works to control a fire near a bulldozer line created behind homes along Bennett Valley Road as he and other firefighters monitor it 's progress on Wednesday, October 11, 2017 in Santa Rosa, Calif. less A firefighter works to control a fire near a bulldozer line created behind homes along Bennett Valley Road as he and other firefighters monitor it 's progress on Wednesday, October 11, 2017 in Santa Rosa, ... more Photo: Lea Suzuki, The Chronicle Buy this photo 
 
 Image 79 of 80 Fire fighting incident commanders plan for changing weather conditions along Mt Veeder road as flames from the Nuns fire continue to burn in the Mt Veeder area in Napa, California, USA 11 Oct 2017. Fire fighting incident commanders plan for changing weather conditions along Mt Veeder road as flames from the Nuns fire continue to burn in the Mt Veeder area in Napa, California, USA 11 Oct 2017. Photo: Peter DaSilva, Special To The Chronicle ||||| A twisting column of fire known as a “fire devil” leapt out of a wildfire in Portugal, making an already scary-looking blaze appear even more dangerous. 
 
 Just as California has been battling wildfires in recent days, these forest blazes have cropped up in Portugal too. On Sunday in Portugal, the high winds swept up some of the flames into a swirling vortex called a fire devil, but also known as a fire whirl or a fire tornado. 
 
 The latter name, while it may seem visually proper, is not entirely accurate — the phenomenon is closer to a fiery version of a dust devil than a tornado. Dust devils are thin spirals of air that form in hot and windy conditions — when a certain spot on the ground is hotter than those around it, it heats up adjacent air that then rises upward and can be thrown into a sideways rotation if a blast of air hits it from the right angle. The spiral picks up small material like dust as it twists up. 
 
 With a fire devil, there is a similar underlying process: A particularly hot area on the ground makes heated air rise and, with a blast of wind, creates a swirling column of air that carries things upward from the ground — in this case, fire and ash. 
 
 “I would just call them fire vortices but that doesn’t sound so sexy to the public, so I would call them fire devils,” climatologist Mark Wysocki said, according to Live Science. “These plumes form in a very small region over the land. … They start to rise very rapidly, and as things start to rise, they suck the surrounding air in like a vacuum. Then you get this twisting that begins to resemble a vortex.” 
 
 The higher it goes, the thinner and faster it gets. 
 
 Tornadoes, on the other hand, are much larger and form during thunderstorms. While scientists don’t completely understand the processes behind the funnel’s formation, it could be related to sections of atmosphere with different conditions meeting one another, like different wind speeds, moisture levels and temperatures. 
 
 Fire devils are not common occurrences but can whirl up during a wildfire because of the heat and wind conditions during those events. They occur in dry areas, such as when a place gets little rainfall. When the vegetation is dried out enough, a spark from a strike of lightning, a poorly controlled campfire or a smoldering cigarette butt can set plants ablaze, with high winds helping to spread the flames. 
 
 Wildfires can create walls of flame that reach dozens of feet into the air. The heat from the fire is intense, one of the many hazards to human life and anything else in its path. 
 
 The Express reported that Portugal has seen numerous wildfires this year, due to a dry and hot summer. That includes five large fires around the nation this weekend, which about 1,000 firefighters were trying to control. One blaze in June killed 64 people, some of them on a bridge that caught fire.
– Like earthquakes can unleash tsunamis, strong winds and the California wildfires apparently set loose another type of natural disaster: fire tornadoes. And the San Francisco Chronicle says the fire-filled tornadoes that hit Santa Rosa last week, driven by nearly 80mph winds, wreaked major havoc, tossing cars, pulling trees out of the ground, and ripping the roofs off of houses. "I've been in this business 30 years and it's the worst I've seen," Scott Upton, a chief for the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, says of the tornadoes created during the Tubbs Fire. The Chronicle explains the science behind the tornado formation: As powerful winds drive the fire's flames into neighborhoods, the heat rises and draws those gusts up with it, creating the tornado, or "fire whirl," a vortex of hot and cool air capable of mass destruction. This type of event, also referred to as a "fire devil," can be so strong it's capable of lifting an entire home in the air; the paper notes one such incident that took place in 1926. The location of the neighborhoods affected by the Tubbs Fire also exacerbated things: The wind sped up as it pushed the fire through a valley and toward residences, creating what Ken Pimlott, the head of CalFire, calls "a very different kind of fire." It was "almost horizontal," he says. "When it hit those homes, it was like a blowtorch." The Press Democrat details the Tubbs Fire's 12-mile "deadly march" from its point of origin in Calistoga to Santa Rosa. Curious to know what one of these frightening flame-storms looks like without getting too close? Mashable features a video, in which firefighters filmed a recent fire tornado raging through central Portugal. Newsweek has footage, too, out of California and Texas.