The Unusual Phenomena of Fire: From Burn Piles to Firenadoes
Fire is a common part of many landscapes, from campfires to industrial burn piles. However, the natural world is full of intriguing and sometimes unsettling phenomena involving fire. In this article, we will explore some of the most unusual and remarkable occurrences related to fire, including burn pile practices, firenadoes, and even fires that behave in unexpected ways.
Understanding Burn Piles
After a timber harvest, slash, or leftover debris, is often bulldozed into large piles. These heaps of branches, logs, and other slash materials are typically burned late in the fall to consume the waste and prevent it from spreading wildfires. It's not uncommon to see these burn piles in action, especially in remote areas. The smoke from these burn piles can sometimes indicate an urgent need for containment or intervention.
One spring, a report reached us of a fire in a remote area. Upon arrival, we found the charred skeletal remains of an old tractor pile. Significantly, a lot of dirt had mixed into the debris, and the burning material was largely buried. Going through the process of digging and dismantling the old pile, we worked tirelessly to finally extinguish the fire. Although the fire had slowed down, it was still very much active, requiring careful handling and approach.
The Mysterious Firenado
One of the most intriguing and visually striking phenomena involving fire is the firenado. Unlike the familiar tornado, a firenado is a small, intense spiral of flames fueled by a high concentration of heat and wind. These events are highly destructive and are often captured on camera for research and documentation. While I never personally witnessed a firenado, I was convinced by its depiction on the Weather Channel. For a believer, one often needs but a single picture or video to understand the reality of such phenomena.
The US Fish and Wildlife Service has documented a firenado event, providing a visual testament to the power and complexity of these fires. A fire whirl, as it is also known, is a subcategory of fire tornadoes. These swirling columns of fire are often accompanied by intense heat and can be incredibly dangerous. Understanding and studying fire whirls is crucial for fire prevention and response efforts.
Rare and Unusual Fire Behaviors
Fire can behave in ways that are not only unexpected but also visually striking. Some individuals have experienced or witnessed fires that seem to defy the usual laws of physics and appear to have a life of their own. For instance, the story of a campfire that took on a demonic, devil-like form is one such account. Flames that took on such vivid, form-like characteristics are certainly rare and often unsettling to those who have seen them.
Another unusual phenomenon is the reported instance where a fire behaved as if it was turning into ice. This description might seem unimaginable, but it highlights the unpredictable nature of fire. Fires that seem to freeze and then devour everything in a vortex like a star might sound like fiction, but such stories exist and add to the mystery and intrigue of fire.
Conclusion
The world of fire is vast and complex, encompassing both mundane and extraordinary events. From the silent consumption of burn piles to the destructive and mesmerizing firenado, the phenomena associated with fire continue to fascinate and sometimes alarm us. Whether it's the practical side of managing waste or the peculiar behavior of flames, understanding these events can help us better prepare for and address the challenges they present.
To learn more about fire phenomena, especially firenadoes, check out the following resources:
Firenado - Wikipedia Fire Whirls: Fire Weather Hazards to Communities Video of a Fire Tornado in Kansas