La Sal, Utah – A rare fire-induced tornado tore through the Deer Creek wildfire zone near La Sal on Saturday, producing 122 mph winds and damaging multiple structures during a 12-minute rampage.
According to the National Weather Service in Grand Junction, the EF-2 tornado touched down around 1:03 p.m. MDT on July 12, remaining nearly stationary until 1:15 p.m. The twister carved a path just under 200 yards long and 100 yards wide, intensifying fire damage across an already devastated landscape.
The tornado formed as intense heat and turbulent airflow from the Deer Creek wildfire generated a violent vortex. Several outbuildings and homes were damaged by the combined effects of wind and fire. Fortunately, no injuries or fatalities were reported, as residents had been evacuated before the event. Emergency crews and fire personnel remained safely outside the tornado’s path.
This tornado marks one of the strongest fire-induced events documented in the U.S. in recent years. Officials noted that the tornado’s damage met EF-2 wind criteria based on remaining structures not consumed by fire.
The National Weather Service is continuing to monitor fire and wind activity in the region. More updates will be provided if additional tornadoes or flare-ups develop.
