Open-Source Fire Science

Case STudy 2018 Carr Fire Whirl

2018 Carr Fire Whirl

Period: 7/26/18 Redding, CA

2018 Carr Fire Whirl

The Carr Fire, having been driven eastward and down toward the central valley by westerlies across the coastal range, created several fire whirls, among which was a large fire whirl with winds exceeding 100 mph when entering west Redding that was detected by radar. CAWFE simulations reproduce fire growth down into Redding, and, when the fire burns across the line where two airflows intersect – the westerlies blowing downslope from the west and dry air up the Sacramento Valley – multiple strong fire whirls spin up and travel through the built areas.

CAWFE simulation