Rare 'Ash Devil' Phenomenon Observed During Trinity Fire in San Bernardino
Firefighters in San Bernardino County witnessed a rare 'ash devil' during their efforts to control the Trinity fire. This phenomenon, a mini tornado of ash, embers, and debris, formed from the remains of a fire that had been extinguished. Christopher Prater, a public information officer, explained that ash devils occur when heat from a fire causes hot air to rise and mix with cooler air, creating a vortex. Although ash devils can potentially start new fires, this particular one dissipated without causing further damage. The Trinity fire, which began on May 1, has burned 19 acres and is 50% contained.