MEAWW.COM / NEWS / HUMAN INTEREST

Stunning footage shows FIRE TORNADO burning in California sending plumes of smoke in the air

The swirl of flames caused by a growing brush fire was being held at 150 acres, according to LA County Sheriff’s Department’s Santa Clarita Valley

LOS ANGELES COUNTY, CALIFORNIA: A growing brush fire near Gorman on Wednesday evening produced an apparent 'fire tornado,' footage captured by a television news helicopter showed. In the video that has now gone viral, a man can be heard describing the fire tornado in Los Angeles County as "the biggest one I've ever seen." According to the Los Angeles County Fire Department, the bush fire that caused the fire tornado has been dubbed the 'Sam Fire.' 

Firefighters were dispatched to the scene at around 4.07 pm and they soon estimated the fire to be spread across approximately four acres. However, by evening, the conflagration was said to have set ablaze nearly 150 acres of land. It was at this point that the fire had been successfully contained. The fire whirl spawned into a large vortex after large quantities of air were sucked into it. The footage captured by a helicopter had been shared by KTLA-TV Channel 5 where the spiraling blaze of the fire can be seen rapidly engulfing everything in its way. 

RELATED ARTICLES

Thousands evacuated, multiple homes destroyed as massive wildfire near Yosemite DOUBLES in size 

NATURE'S FURY: Shocking videos capture Kansas tornado that ripped apart over 1000 homes

The Los Angeles County Fire Department took to Twitter to share a photo of the blaze, with a note saying, "Short range spotting and fire whirls on the #SamFire tell the story of dry, receptive fuels and erratic winds from intense surface heating. With @LACoFD @NWSLosAngeles" 

Additionally, an update revealed that the total area set afire by the 'Sam Fire' stands at 150 acres. The LA County Fire Department further mentions that "Crews will remain on scene throughout the evening and tomorrow ensuring that all hot spots are extinguished. No damage to homes or reports of injuries at this time." With over 60% of the blaze being contained, there were no damages or casualties reported at the scene. 

Another update read as follows: "Thanks to ground crews and an aggressive attack by air resources, the #SamFire is being held at 150 acres. #LACoFD 2nd alarm resources and 1st alarm resources from @Angeles_NF are still on scene continuing the fire fight."

Further images sourced from the official Twitter handle of Angeles National Forest show scenes of their firefighters assisting the LA County Fire Department at Old Ridge Road near I-5. 

With no casualties reported, the fire tornado has been successfully contained.