Pyrotornado Confirmed on Bootleg Fire

A very rare pyrotornado has been confirmed on the Bootleg Fire. It occurred last Sunday, July 18th. The fire is now 401,601 Acres and is 42% contained as of Saturday July 24. Here is the full statement from Bootleg Fire IC: "On July 18, 2021, a tornado was confirmed on the eastern perimeter of the Bootleg Fire. This tornado was created from extreme fire behavior, dry fuels, and unstable atmosphere. Derek Williams is a meteorologist that is working on the Bootleg Fire. Williams tracks fire weather events and confirmed this tornado with the Medford National Weather Service Forecast Office. This rare weather event data will be saved and studied by meteorologists and fire researchers to help identify future events." 1st Photo - Wind damaged trees northeast of Campbell lake. Notice the debarked trees in the distance. This was a separate area of damage. There were 3 distinct areas of damage. 2nd Photo - Tree sheared off at 6.5 feet off the ground. 3rd Photo - Defoliated vegetation. 4th Photo - Topsoil removal down to root systems of grass. In some cases complete removal down to hardpan. 5th Photo - Debarked tree. Although dead, this indicates very strong winds. 6th Photo - Scoured asphalt from fire vortex/tornado.