High Wind — Northern Sacramento Valley, California

2018-07-26 · Northern Sacramento Valley, California

Event narrative

A powerful fire whirl developed within the Carr Fire in western Redding, CA on July 26th, with winds estimated in excess of 143 mph, equivalent to an EF3 tornado. The fire whirl was estimated to be on ground from 7:30'8:00 p.m. The fire whirl caused extensive tornado-like damage while rapidly spreading the fire. The winds crumpled high tension electrical transmission towers, damaged homes, and debarked and uprooted trees. Wind damaged areas included locations untouched by fire, and included signs of ground scouring. The damage path was 2 miles long, with an estimated width of about half a mile. Three people were killed inside their Redding home after the structure's walls were blown out and the roof collapsed on the occupants. Several other homes suffered significant roof damage. A firefighter was killed while driving his vehicle near the fire whirl. Three bulldozers were impacted by flying debris, rocks, embers, smoke and intense heat, with the operators suffering injuries including burns and cuts from broken glass.

Wider weather episode

Large wildfires developed across Northern California at the end of July during a period of high temperatures, low humidity and unusually dry fuels. A powerful fire whirl developed with the Carr Fire, creating significant wind damage to western Redding and rapid fire growth. The Mendicino Complex became the largest wildfire in California history. A state of emergency was declared at state and federal levels due to the fires.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 774718. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.