US Bootleg fire burns area the size of LA city as experts warn of fire tornadoes

EXPERTS have warned of fire tornadoes as the intense Bootleg wildfire continues to ravage parts of Oregon. Scientists say the large inferno, which has destroyed more than 300,000 acres, is changing weather patterns. The wildfire is affecting winds and disrupting the atmosphere, the New York Times reports. Marcus Kauffman, of Oregon’s forestry department, said: “The fire is so large and generating so much energy and extreme heat that it’s changing the weather. “Normally the weather predicts what the fire will do. In this case, the fire is predicting what the weather will do.” The extreme heat and intensity of the flames can force wind to go around it, creating swirling clouds of heat known as “fire tornadoes”. Meteorologist Chuck Redman told the Times that it’s “possible” a fire tornado may develop but the NWS has not received any reports. He said: “When we get these extreme events, it’s stuff we’ve got to watch out for.” Continue reading Bootleg blaze so ‘large and intense’ it’s changing weather syste