Los Angeles has been hit by a rare fire tornado as the Palisades blaze continues to spread across the county, causing widespread devastation, Fox News reports.
On Friday night, LA county was battling at least six major fires, with flames edging closer into the city’s San Fernando Valley. Dramatic footage now shows a fire tornado swirling as the fire spreads toward Mulholland Drive in the Santa Monica Mountains.
What is a ‘firenado‘?
A fire tornado, also known as a ‘firenado’, occurs when a fire and turbulent winds create a spinning column of fire, ash, and smoke. The phenomenon is fueled by intense heat rising quickly during wildfires.
The fires have claimed the lives of at least 11 people, destroyed over 12,000 structures, and burned more than 37,000 acres of land. Firefighters face challenging conditions with gusty weather expected to return over the weekend in an area that hasn’t seen rain for more than eight months. President Joe Biden has warned that the death toll could rise further.
LA County Public Health has issued a public health order, stating that the fires have severely degraded air quality, posing immediate and long-term risks to public health. Residents are advised to stay indoors, keep windows and doors closed, and use air conditioners to filter the air. Masks are recommended if they need to go outside.
Locals are now returning to their neighborhoods, seeing firsthand the scale of the destruction. Scores of homes have been reduced to ash, including those of several Hollywood celebrities, such as Anthony Hopkins, Miles Teller, and Anna Faris. The Kardashians have also evacuated their homes in Hidden Hills and Calabasas as the Kenneth Fire threatens these upscale neighborhoods.
Amid the devastation, Pope Francis offered prayers for the victims and emergency responders, expressing his spiritual closeness to those affected. “His Holiness assures you and the community affected by this tragedy of his spiritual closeness,” a statement from the Vatican said. “He also offers heartfelt condolences to those mourning their losses and prays for the relief efforts of emergency services personnel.”
