Oregon Wildfire Produces “Pyrocumulus Clouds”

Changing America reports:

The intense smoke and heat from an Oregon wildfire is producing “fire clouds,” also known as pyrocumulus clouds, above the far-ranging fire — creating plumes of smoke and ash that have reached a height of over a mile into the sky. Fire clouds can spew ash and embers, sometimes even lightning, to other areas and further increase the range of the fire.  The fire clouds are stemming from the Bootleg Fire, currently the largest wildfire burning in the United States. Low humidity and high wind gusts continue to complicate containment efforts.

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‘Fire clouds’ block skies in Oregon during fifth largest wildfire on record in state https://t.co/v3ZvJP815l

— The Independent (@Independent) July 17, 2021

‘Fire clouds’ spew ash and embers, not rain over Oregon https://t.co/GawcQ22A5b pic.twitter.com/2dNYRMaOwb

— New York Post (@nypost) July 17, 2021

The #BootlegFire is really taking off this evening, demonstrating incredible fire behavior. Multiple pyrocumulus clouds are billowing above the fire lines. At last check, the fire was approaching 300k acres burned. Unfortunately, this inferno isn’t showing signs of slowing. #ORwx pic.twitter.com/sQnSr8ZdLJ

— Jeff Forgeron (@WeatherJefe) July 19, 2021

They say a picture is worth a thousand words…well, a time lapse is worth a thousand pictures when it comes to showing atmospheric behavior/motion. Very strong rising air over the #TamarackFire as seen by rapid pyrocumulus growth and pileus clouds. pic.twitter.com/BV5wBWR1V3

— NWS Reno (@NWSReno) July 18, 2021