The greater draft of a firestorm draws in greater quantities of oxygen, which significantly increases combustion, thereby also substantially increasing the production of heat. This occurred with the 2002 Durango fire, and probably with the much greater Peshtigo Fire. Ī firestorm may also develop into a mesocyclone and induce true tornadoes/ fire whirls. Firestorms resulting from the bombardment of urban areas in the Second World War were generally confined to the areas initially seeded with incendiary devices, and the firestorm did not appreciably spread outward. This would seem to prevent the firestorm from spreading on the wind, but the tremendous turbulence created may also cause the strong surface inflow winds to change direction erratically. As the updraft mushrooms, strong inwardly-directed gusty winds develop around the fire, supplying it with additional air.
This draft can be quickly increased if a low-level jet stream exists over or near the fire. A firestorm after the bombing of HiroshimaĪ firestorm is created as a result of the stack effect as the heat of the original fire draws in more and more of the surrounding air.
