LLANO, Calif. (VVNG.com) — San Bernardino County Fire officials shared a dramatic video Saturday showing a dust devil forming within the Summit Fire, offering a close look at one of the many hazards firefighters face while battling wildfires.
According to the agency’s social media post, “This afternoon, hot air along the desert floor began to rise and rotate forming a dust devil in the northern section of the #SummitFire.”
Fire officials said dust devils pose a significant risk on active wildfires because they can lift burning embers and carry them beyond established containment lines, potentially igniting new spot fires.
“Dust devils pose a significant risk as they have the ability to lift embers and carry them beyond established fire lines,” the agency wrote. “You can see the surrounding air being drawn into the column in clips two and three.”
Firefighters monitor for these rapidly developing weather events by assigning lookouts to identify hazards and communicate changing conditions to crews working on the fire line.
“Fortunately this one stayed within the perimeter of the incident,” the post stated.
As of 6 p.m., Saturday, July 11, the Summit Fire had burned 2,690 acres and was 8% contained.
According to the Angeles National Forest, overnight weather conditions created tactical opportunities allowing crews to establish defensive positions to reduce the fire’s ability to spread.
Firefighters will continue to fight active fire sources while providing structure defense for residences in the affected areas.
Officials said weather conditions remain challenging, with temperatures approaching 100 degrees, relative humidity in the single digits and wind gusts up to 25 mph along ridge tops.
The combination of hot, dry weather and critically dry vegetation continues to create the potential for rapid fire growth and significant fire behavior, according to the Angeles National Forest.
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