Fire Tornadoes devastated California

As if countless wildfires weren't enough, strong winds are forcing California to deal with another major problem, firenados.

LOS ANGELES, CA (Catholic Online) - While wildfire after wildfire continue to devastate the state, a new danger is looming which is leaving experts worried.

These firenados, also known as fire whirls and fire devils, are caused when intense heat from a powerful fire combines with turbulent winds to form a whirling vortex of air. This vortex may tighten into the funnel like shape commonly attributed to tornados which sucks in burning debris and combustible gasses.

Send a prayer to those suffering from the wildfires.

One of the reasons this outbreak of firenados is so damaging, is that traditional shelters that victims may turn to are also being threatened by the outbreaks.

The seven fires around San Diego that started on May 13 have continued to cause problems for fire crews, whom had hoped that milder winds, lower temperatures and higher humidity on May 16 would allow them to start containing the fires.

Mike Mohler, a spokesman for the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, said he was "cautiously optimistic," the day would see major gains.

Aided by civilian and military aircraft, firefighters had mostly contained a few of the fires, but officials said that there were three fires, including two around the Marine Corps' Camp Pendleton, that were largely uncontained.

The cause of these wildfires remain unclear but arson is the main suspect among the area's residents.

On May 15, Escondido police arrested 19-year-old Isaiah Silva and a 17-year-old juvenile in connection to arson-related charges. Currently the two have not been had any charges filed against them, however the San Diego district attorney is reviewing the case.

---

'Help Give every Student and Teacher FREE resources for a world-class Moral Catholic Education'