Fire Whirl Towers Over Flames During California Prescribed Burn

A fire whirl spun above flames during a prescribed burn at Locatelli Ranch near Boulder Creek on September 15.

Flames moved through yellow grass beside a dirt track as a tall column of tan smoke twisted upward. Oaks and pines stood along the ridge beneath a clear sky.

CAL FIRE CZU said ignition had finished and remaining flames were being monitored. Winds were westerly, while temperatures remained in the low-to-mid 70s after briefly reaching 78°F at 1:30 p.m.

The planned burn covered about 42 acres across three units inside the 2020 CZU Lightning Complex scar. CAL FIRE said smoke could be visible from Boulder Creek toward Empire Grade.

A second video shows firefighters in yellow gear standing on a dirt track as low flames and heavy white-and-tan smoke move through grass toward evergreens.

An engine crew was scheduled to patrol the burn overnight after crews completed the day’s work with multiple fire agencies and resources.