What can be a dangerous effect of firewhirls during a fire event?

Firewhirls, also known as fire tornadoes, are rotating columns of air that can form during intense fire events. One of the most dangerous effects they can have is their ability to pick up and carry burning embers away from the main fire front. This phenomenon not only spreads the fire to new areas but can also ignite spot fires well ahead of the main fire, complicating containment efforts and posing an increased risk to both firefighting personnel and nearby structures.

The nature of firewhirls allows them to lift burning embers high into the air and transport them over considerable distances, which can lead to the rapid expansion of the fire in unpredictable directions. Understanding this behavior is crucial for effective fire management and for keeping areas safe in the vicinity of wildfires.