Severe Weather in Iowa

SALIX, Iowa – A fire whirl, otherwise known as a ‘firenado’ was caught on camera in Iowa after severe weather blew through on Thursday night. 

Aerial video showed the fire whirl spinning up from a line of fire that was scorching through a field outside Silax, near the Iowa/Nebraska border. 

What is a Fire Whirl?

Fire whirls are spinning columns of hot air and gases that rise up from a fire, according to the National Wildfire Coordinating Group. When the gases and hot air rise, they also carry up debris, smoke and sometimes fire, creating a vortex. 

Severe Weather in Iowa and Nebraska

Tornadoes and strong hail pelted Iowa and Nebraska during strong thunderstorms on Thursday night caused several lightning strikes in the area, one of which started the fire seen in the video, said FOX Weather Meteorologist Jane Minar. 

In the video, bright red columns of swirling fire shoot up from the line of fire burning the field. 

A Fire Whirl in Action

LARGE TORNADO SPOTTED IN SOUTHWEST IOWA

Fire whirl whips through burning field in Iowa on April 17, 2025. (Dan Gottschalk / FOX Weather)

Behind the line of fire, the scorched earth of the field is black, creating a stark contrast between the blue sky, black smoke and orangeish-red flames. 

Characteristics of Fire Whirls

Fire whirls can vary in size, with some being over 500 feet wide, according to the NWCG, and some smaller, like the one in the video. 

The fire seems to stretch on for quite a while in the video, as the fire whirl travels through it. You can see the flames being sucked into the vortex of the whirl. 

More About Fire Whirls

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Fire is sucked into a fire whirl in a burning field in Iowa on April 17, 2025. (Dan Gottschalk / FOX Weather)

Large ‘firenadoes’ can be as strong as a small tornado, the NWCG reported. 

Fire Weather Warnings

Fire weather warnings were in effect for much of the area last week into this week, with the National Weather Service warning residents to listen to local fire instruction and limit burning.

LINK: Get updates on this story and more at foxweather.com.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the fire whirl caught on camera in Iowa is a rare and fascinating phenomenon. Fire whirls are spinning columns of hot air and gases that rise up from a fire, creating a vortex that can pick up debris, smoke, and flames. The severe weather in Iowa and Nebraska, including tornadoes and strong hail, contributed to the formation of the fire whirl. It is essential to follow fire weather warnings and instructions from local authorities to prevent and mitigate the effects of wildfires.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is a fire whirl?

A: A fire whirl, also known as a ‘firenado’, is a spinning column of hot air and gases that rises up from a fire, creating a vortex that can pick up debris, smoke, and flames.

Q: What causes fire whirls?

A: Fire whirls are caused by the interaction of hot air and gases rising from a fire, which creates a spinning column of air that can pick up debris, smoke, and flames.

Q: How big can fire whirls get?

A: Fire whirls can vary in size, with some being over 500 feet wide, according to the NWCG, and some smaller, like the one in the video.

Q: Are fire whirls dangerous?

A: Yes, fire whirls can be dangerous, as they can pick up debris, smoke, and flames, and can be as strong as a small tornado.

Q: How can I stay safe during a fire weather warning?

A: To stay safe during a fire weather warning, it is essential to follow the instructions of local authorities, limit burning, and stay informed about the latest weather conditions.