Rare 'fire tornado' spotted in massive California blaze

Some Northern California residents that were affected by the major Park Fire saw something unusual on Thursday, as a cloud of plume and smoke started rotating into what is likely considered a rare "fire tornado." 

The Park Fire, which began on Wednesday, is the largest blaze of California's 15 major wildfires that are still burning. It has burned through over 178,000 acres as of Friday evening near Chico, in Butte County. A man was arrested on Thursday on suspicion of starting the blame, according to the BBC.

The large wildfire included a tower of heat, ash and smoke, which signal that the blaze will be hard for firefighters to control, per Axios. It comes as major wildfires also engulf Canada, Oregon, and Idaho. 

The Park Fire has prompted evacuation orders for Butte and Tehama counties. At least 134 structures have been destroyed by the fire so far, and 4,200 structures remain threatened.

"Evacuations are ongoing as the fire grows," Megan McCann, of Butte County Sheriff's Office, said on Thursday. "We had assistance from 10 different law enforcement and fire agencies. More are on the way."

Misty Severi is an evening news reporter for Just The News. You can follow her on X for more coverage.