In the central part of Brazil, in the region of Santa Helena de Goias, a fire tornado broke out on agricultural land. A whirlwind of flame several tens of meters high was seen on Friday, September 13, reports The Sun.
Farmers were clearing the land with controlled fires when a tornado suddenly formed from the flames. This happened as a pillar of wind passed over embers and transformed into a blazing vortex. Windy weather and very dry air contributed to the rapid intensification of the fire tornado and its movement across the land. The whirlwind caused damage to the farm before the farmers could take control of it. Locals call this phenomenon "fiery devil" - it looks like a rotating arc with flashes and clouds of thick smoke.
Scientists at the Institute of Meteorology of São Paulo claim that such a fiery formation is one of the rarest natural phenomena. It only occurs in very specific atmospheric conditions and is a combination of high temperatures, turbulent winds, low air humidity and dry soil. The vortex of fire consists of a burning core and an air pocket, which forms a movable structure, similar to a tornado.
These rare weather events can reach a height of 50 m, a diameter of 3 m and a wind speed of more than 160 km / h. Such a tornado lasts from several minutes to half an hour and can even uproot trees. Most often, fire tornadoes form during forest fires and contribute to the rapid circular spread of the flame.