‘Like a blowtorch’: Powerful winds fueled tornadoes of flame in Tubbs Fire 
 
 The firestorm flipped over cars, like one on Dogwood Drive in the devastated Coffey Park neighborhood of Santa Rosa. The firestorm flipped over cars, like one on Dogwood Drive in the devastated Coffey Park neighborhood of Santa Rosa. Photo: Gabrielle Lurie, The Chronicle Buy photo Photo: Gabrielle Lurie, The Chronicle Image 1 of / 83 Caption Close ‘Like a blowtorch’: Powerful winds fueled tornadoes of flame in Tubbs Fire 1 / 83 Back to Gallery 
 
 The Tubbs Fire that raged through Santa Rosa last week unleashed a series of fiery tornadoes powerful enough to flip cars, yank trees out of the ground and rip homes apart, fire scientists said Wednesday. 
 
 Gusts of up to 73 mph were recorded at the weather stations after the fires broke out Oct. 8, but the extraordinary damage documented during postmortem evaluations indicated that much more powerful forces were at play. 
 
 “We had trees ripped out of the ground, cars turned over, garage doors ripped off their hinges and wrapped around trees in the front yards,” said Scott Upton, the northern region chief for the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, and an expert on fire behavior. “It was no different than a hurricane, really, but instead of rain we had a fire event. I’ve been in this business 30 years and it’s the worst I’ve seen.” 
 
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 Upton said fire whirls, also known as fire tornadoes, probably happened in all the North Bay fires, but the most destructive evidence was found in Santa Rosa neighborhoods flattened by the Tubbs Fire, which has killed at least 22 people and burned 36,432 acres. Recovery teams are still searching for remains in the rubble. 
 
 The homes destroyed in the city’s Fountaingrove and Coffey Park neighborhoods burned in rapid succession. As flames driven by powerful winds slammed into the neighborhoods, the heat rose up, pulling the wind with it and creating a kind of vortex of air that circled around at hurricane-force speeds. 
 
 “Think about the massive release of heat in a fire like that, and then the wind gets obstructed by homes and you get the eddying,” Upton said. “The hot air mixes with cooler air, and that’s when it will start to turn, creating a fire whirl.” 
 
 The whirling winds blew fire sideways into homes in Santa Rosa, peeled off roofs, and even lifted and turned vehicles. Survivors recounted running out of their homes into the equivalent of a blast furnace, with embers flying everywhere amid a terrible gale. 
 
 “They can be incredibly powerful if you add more heat or wind or fuel, like in this fire,” he said. 
 
 Upton compared the situation to Lake County’s Rocky Fire in August 2015, when superheated flames, fueled by dry brush, sent huge clouds of smoke as far as 35,000 feet into the atmosphere, where they actually formed ice caps, pushing out wind in every direction. 
 
 In the Tubbs Fire, superheated air also lifted off the ground and created wind, but that’s where the similarities end. 
 
 Upton said fire tornadoes normally occur in open spaces, kind of like the way dust devils form on farmland and fields. He said the the 2003 Cedar Fire, which burned 280,000 acres, destroyed 2,232 homes and killed 15 people in San Diego County, is the closest comparison. 
 
 Just like the Wine Country blazes, the Cedar Fire spread rapidly as a result of Santa Ana winds and fire tornadoes. The 1991 Oakland Hills Fire, which killed 25 people and destroyed 3,500 houses, also created its own weather — a firestorm. 
 
 Fire whirls can be extremely violent. They have been known to lift all-terrain vehicles off the ground. In 1926, a fire whirl in San Luis Obispo lifted an entire home into the air and carried it across a field before dropping it. Two people were killed. 
 
 The phenomenon can’t happen without strong winds and dry fuel, which have been in abundance throughout Northern California. 
 
 The night the fires started on Oct. 8, the winds were a steady 40 mph, pushing flames east to west through a valley in the hills along Petrified Forest and Mark West Springs roads, feeding it like oxygen nourishes a torch, and driving it into the flatland neighborhoods. 
 
 “Just like water flows from higher to lower elevation, winds flow down a pressure gradient as they go from high pressure to low pressure,” said Max Moritz, a wildfire specialist with the UC Cooperative Extension. “When they get concentrated, like through a mountain pass, they will speed up, like a river going through a narrow channel.” 
 
 Moritz said powerful winds also drove the Hanley Fire, which burned almost the exact same area in 1964. 
 
 That fire, which ignited when a hunter discarded a cigarette, burned 83,000 acres over a week and leveled 84 homes, 24 summer cabins and countless farm buildings; included was the historic Tubbs Mansion. Nobody was killed in the fire, which was finally halted on the north perimeter of Santa Rosa, but those who fought it were traumatized. 
 
 “This is the craziest fire I’ve ever seen,” Grant King, the chief of the Guerneville Fire Department, told The Chronicle at the time. “The wind just hangs back, then fire comes in a rush with the wind, and you’re dead.” 
 
 The wind-driven Tubbs Fire shot out of the same canyon into Fountaingrove and Coffey Park. 
 
 “It was a very different kind of fire that happened Sunday night,” said Ken Pimlott, the director of Cal Fire. “The fire was almost horizontal. When it hit those homes it was like a blowtorch. With all those fires burning, it generated so much heat that it created its own circular patterns.” 
 
 Upton said the Atlas Fire, which blasted through Napa Valley homes and wineries, threw embers way out in front, causing spot fires, and also occasionally formed fire whirls, but it didn’t display as much wind power as the Tubbs Fire did. 
 
 “I've seen fires melt cars and literally reduce them to little more than metal and aluminum pooled on the ground,” he said, but he hadn’t seen destruction like he saw last week. “To flip a car over has to be some significant winds.” 
 
 Peter Fimrite is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: pfimrite@sfchronicle.com ||||| Photo: Courtesy Of Linn Walsh / / Courtesy Of Linn Walsh Image 1 of / 80 Caption Close 
 
 Image 1 of 80 Mill Valley Fire Chief Tom Welch lost his home in the North Bay wildfires, city officials said. Mill Valley Fire Chief Tom Welch lost his home in the North Bay wildfires, city officials said. Photo: Courtesy Of Linn Walsh / / Courtesy Of Linn Walsh 
 
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 Image 3 of 80 Buy photo A water tanker truck to support fire crews overturned, killing the driver on Oakville Grade near Highway 29 on Monday, Oct. 16, 2017 in Oakville, CA. A water tanker truck to support fire crews overturned, killing the driver on Oakville Grade near Highway 29 on Monday, Oct. 16, 2017 in Oakville, CA. Photo: Paul Kuroda, Special To The Chronicle Buy this photo 
 
 Image 4 of 80 Buy photo Fire along the ridge in Oakville being doused by helicopters on Monday, Oct. 16, 2017 in Oakville, CA. Fire along the ridge in Oakville being doused by helicopters on Monday, Oct. 16, 2017 in Oakville, CA. Photo: Paul Kuroda, Special To The Chronicle Buy this photo 
 
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 Image 6 of 80 A large plume of smoke rises above the mountains between Napa and Sonoma, Calif., on Sunday, October 15, 2017. A large plume of smoke rises above the mountains between Napa and Sonoma, Calif., on Sunday, October 15, 2017. Photo: Scott Strazzante, The Chronicle 
 
 Image 7 of 80 Buy photo Scott family members Melody (left), Jenna, 9, Olivia, 3, being held by Kaylee, 12, and Daniel, 9, at New Hope Baptist service at the DoubleTree hotel in Rohnert Park. Scott family members Melody (left), Jenna, 9, Olivia, 3, being held by Kaylee, 12, and Daniel, 9, at New Hope Baptist service at the DoubleTree hotel in Rohnert Park. Photo: Gabrielle Lurie / Gabrielle Lurie / The Chronicle Buy this photo 
 
 Image 8 of 80 Brittany Perry hands out a free ash sifter to a fire victim at Pacific Coast Custom Interiors in Santa Rosa, Calif., on Sunday, October 15, 2017. Brittany Perry hands out a free ash sifter to a fire victim at Pacific Coast Custom Interiors in Santa Rosa, Calif., on Sunday, October 15, 2017. Photo: Scott Strazzante, The Chronicle 
 
 Image 9 of 80 From atop his truck parked along Highway 29, Marcos Barrera of Napa watches fires burn west of St. Helena, Calif., on Sunday, October 15, 2017. From atop his truck parked along Highway 29, Marcos Barrera of Napa watches fires burn west of St. Helena, Calif., on Sunday, October 15, 2017. Photo: Scott Strazzante, The Chronicle 
 
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 Image 11 of 80 After the mandatory fire evacuation order was lifted, 10-year-old twins Porter and Katie Lynch pause while riding their bikes on Cedar Street in Calistoga, Calif., on Sunday, October 15, 2017. After the mandatory fire evacuation order was lifted, 10-year-old twins Porter and Katie Lynch pause while riding their bikes on Cedar Street in Calistoga, Calif., on Sunday, October 15, 2017. Photo: Scott Strazzante, The Chronicle 
 
 Image 12 of 80 Caroll Niel leans on her husband, firefighter Tony Niel, in the motorhome where they are staying following the Tubbs fire on Friday, Oct. 13, 2017, in Forestville, Calif. Caroll Niel leans on her husband, firefighter Tony Niel, in the motorhome where they are staying following the Tubbs fire on Friday, Oct. 13, 2017, in Forestville, Calif. Photo: Noah Berger / Special To The Chronicle 
 
 Image 13 of 80 Santa Rosa firefighter Tony Niel passes a portion of fence standing at his Mark West Estates home, which burned during the Tubbs fire, on Thursday, Oct. 12, 2017, in Santa Rosa. Santa Rosa firefighter Tony Niel passes a portion of fence standing at his Mark West Estates home, which burned during the Tubbs fire, on Thursday, Oct. 12, 2017, in Santa Rosa. Photo: Noah Berger / Special To The Chronicle 
 
 Image 14 of 80 Santa Rosa Assistant Fire Marshal Paul Lowenthal walks through his Oxford Ct. residence, which burned during the Tubbs fire, on Thursday, Oct. 12, 2017, in Santa Rosa. Santa Rosa Assistant Fire Marshal Paul Lowenthal walks through his Oxford Ct. residence, which burned during the Tubbs fire, on Thursday, Oct. 12, 2017, in Santa Rosa. Photo: Noah Berger / Special To The Chronicle 
 
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 Image 16 of 80 Photo: The Chronicle 
 
 Image 17 of 80 Buy photo Statue at the Mondavi Winery and a groundsman mows lawn as fires burn on Monday, Oct. 16, 2017 in Oakville, CA. Statue at the Mondavi Winery and a groundsman mows lawn as fires burn on Monday, Oct. 16, 2017 in Oakville, CA. Photo: Paul Kuroda, Special To The Chronicle Buy this photo 
 
 Image 18 of 80 Josiah Gist (right) joins fellow Santa Cruz firefighters in using pool water in firefighting efforts at a large home that burned in The Ranch subdivision in Sonoma, Calif., on Saturday, October 14, 2017. Josiah Gist (right) joins fellow Santa Cruz firefighters in using pool water in firefighting efforts at a large home that burned in The Ranch subdivision in Sonoma, Calif., on Saturday, October 14, 2017. Photo: Scott Strazzante, The Chronicle 
 
 Image 19 of 80 A firefighter walks through what remains of a large home that burned in The Ranch subdivision in Sonoma, Calif., on Saturday, October 14, 2017. A firefighter walks through what remains of a large home that burned in The Ranch subdivision in Sonoma, Calif., on Saturday, October 14, 2017. Photo: Scott Strazzante, The Chronicle 
 
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 Image 21 of 80 Three firefighters look at a large home that burned in The Ranch subdivision in Sonoma, Calif., on Saturday, October 14, 2017. Three firefighters look at a large home that burned in The Ranch subdivision in Sonoma, Calif., on Saturday, October 14, 2017. Photo: Scott Strazzante, The Chronicle 
 
 Image 22 of 80 The sun sets over Sonoma, Calif., on Saturday, October 14, 2017. The sun sets over Sonoma, Calif., on Saturday, October 14, 2017. Photo: Scott Strazzante, The Chronicle 
 
 Image 23 of 80 Smoke in the hills east of Sonoma, Calif., on Saturday, October 14, 2017. Smoke in the hills east of Sonoma, Calif., on Saturday, October 14, 2017. Photo: Scott Strazzante, The Chronicle 
 
 Image 24 of 80 The chimney is all that remains standing at a large home that burned in The Ranch subdivision in Sonoma, Calif., on Saturday, October 14, 2017. The chimney is all that remains standing at a large home that burned in The Ranch subdivision in Sonoma, Calif., on Saturday, October 14, 2017. Photo: Scott Strazzante, The Chronicle 
 
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 Image 26 of 80 Santa Cruz firefighters' Josiah Gist and Ian Adams carry a hose over the pool of a large home that burned in The Ranch subdivision in Sonoma, Calif., on Saturday, October 14, 2017. Santa Cruz firefighters' Josiah Gist and Ian Adams carry a hose over the pool of a large home that burned in The Ranch subdivision in Sonoma, Calif., on Saturday, October 14, 2017. Photo: Scott Strazzante, The Chronicle 
 
 Image 27 of 80 Fire fighters work on putting out hotspots at a home off Lovall Rd in Sonoma, California, USA 14 Oct 2017. Fire fighters work on putting out hotspots at a home off Lovall Rd in Sonoma, California, USA 14 Oct 2017. Photo: Peter DaSilva, Special To The Chronicle 
 
 Image 28 of 80 Gss main continues to burn at a home destroyed by flames early Saturday morning along the 1100 block of Castle Rd in Sonoma, California, USA 14 Oct 2017. Gss main continues to burn at a home destroyed by flames early Saturday morning along the 1100 block of Castle Rd in Sonoma, California, USA 14 Oct 2017. Photo: Peter DaSilva, Special To The Chronicle 
 
 Image 29 of 80 A water tender sprays water along the roadside to put out hot spots along the 1100 block of Castle Rd in Sonoma, California, USA 14 Oct 2017. A water tender sprays water along the roadside to put out hot spots along the 1100 block of Castle Rd in Sonoma, California, USA 14 Oct 2017. Photo: Peter DaSilva, Special To The Chronicle 
 
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 Image 31 of 80 Sun rises behind burned out hillside east of the town of Sonoma, California, USA 14 Oct 2017. Sun rises behind burned out hillside east of the town of Sonoma, California, USA 14 Oct 2017. Photo: Peter DaSilva, Special To The Chronicle 
 
 Image 32 of 80 Fire fighters work on putting out hotspots in a garage at a home off Lovall Rd in Sonoma, California, USA 14 Oct 2017. Fire fighters work on putting out hotspots in a garage at a home off Lovall Rd in Sonoma, California, USA 14 Oct 2017. Photo: Peter DaSilva, Special To The Chronicle 
 
 Image 33 of 80 Search and rescue worker rests on his car after looking through the rubble of a home on Millbrook Drive on Friday, Oct. 13, 2017, in Santa Rosa, Calif. Search and rescue worker rests on his car after looking through the rubble of a home on Millbrook Drive on Friday, Oct. 13, 2017, in Santa Rosa, Calif. Photo: Mason Trinca, Special To The Chronicle 
 
 Image 34 of 80 Search and rescue worker looks through the rubble of a home on Millbrook Drive on Friday, Oct. 13, 2017, in Santa Rosa, Calif. Search and rescue worker looks through the rubble of a home on Millbrook Drive on Friday, Oct. 13, 2017, in Santa Rosa, Calif. Photo: Mason Trinca, Special To The Chronicle 
 
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 Image 36 of 80 Search and rescue workers dig the rubble of a home on Millbrook Drive on Friday, Oct. 13, 2017, in Santa Rosa, Calif. Rosa, Calif. Search and rescue workers dig the rubble of a home on Millbrook Drive on Friday, Oct. 13, 2017, in Santa Rosa, Calif. Rosa, Calif. Photo: Mason Trinca, Special To The Chronicle 
 
 Image 37 of 80 California Highway Patrol officer Tracy Ross (center) talks on the phone while assiting Tom Sours (left) of Napa, as he was trying to get to his home to pick up some items on Friday, October 13, 2017 in Napa, Calif. less California Highway Patrol officer Tracy Ross (center) talks on the phone while assiting Tom Sours (left) of Napa, as he was trying to get to his home to pick up some items on Friday, October 13, 2017 in Napa, ... more Photo: Lea Suzuki, The Chronicle 
 
 Image 38 of 80 Search and rescue workers search for Tubbs fire victims at Journey's End Mobile Home Park on Friday, Oct. 13, 2017, in Santa Rosa, Calif. According Sgt. Dave Thompson, in charge of search and rescue operations for the Sonoma County Sheriffs Office, crews have recovered another body at the site. less Search and rescue workers search for Tubbs fire victims at Journey's End Mobile Home Park on Friday, Oct. 13, 2017, in Santa Rosa, Calif. According Sgt. Dave Thompson, in charge of search and rescue operations ... more Photo: Noah Berger, Special To The Chronicle 
 
 Image 39 of 80 Search and rescue workers from the Sonoma County Sheriffs Office search for Tubbs fire victims at Journey's End Mobile Home Park on Friday, Oct. 13, 2017, in Santa Rosa, Calif. According Sgt. Dave Thompson, in charge of search and rescue operations for the Sonoma County Sheriffs Office, crews have recovered another body at the site. less Search and rescue workers from the Sonoma County Sheriffs Office search for Tubbs fire victims at Journey's End Mobile Home Park on Friday, Oct. 13, 2017, in Santa Rosa, Calif. According Sgt. Dave Thompson, in ... more Photo: Noah Berger, Special To The Chronicle 
 
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 Image 41 of 80 Search and rescue workers use human remain detection dogs to search for Tubbs fire victims at Journey's End Mobile Home Park on Friday, Oct. 13, 2017, in Santa Rosa, Calif. According Sgt. Dave Thompson, in charge of search and rescue operations for the Sonoma County Sheriffs Office, crews have recovered another body at the site. less Search and rescue workers use human remain detection dogs to search for Tubbs fire victims at Journey's End Mobile Home Park on Friday, Oct. 13, 2017, in Santa Rosa, Calif. According Sgt. Dave Thompson, in ... more Photo: Noah Berger, Special To The Chronicle 
 
 Image 42 of 80 A man shows a burnt paper after a wildfire moved through the area in Santa Rosa and Napa Valley in California, United States on October 13, 2017. Massive out-of-controls wildfires have claimed at least 31 people and destroyed 3,500 homes in Northern California as the deadliest in state history. (Photo by Tayfun Coskun/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images) less A man shows a burnt paper after a wildfire moved through the area in Santa Rosa and Napa Valley in California, United States on October 13, 2017. Massive out-of-controls wildfires have claimed at least 31 ... more Photo: Anadolu Agency/Getty Images 
 
 Image 43 of 80 The remains are seen after a wildfire moved through the area in Santa Rosa and Napa Valley in California, United States on October 13, 2017. Massive out-of-controls wildfires have claimed at least 31 people and destroyed 3,500 homes in Northern California as the deadliest in state history. (Photo by Tayfun Coskun/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images) less The remains are seen after a wildfire moved through the area in Santa Rosa and Napa Valley in California, United States on October 13, 2017. Massive out-of-controls wildfires have claimed at least 31 people and ... more Photo: Anadolu Agency/Getty Images 
 
 Image 44 of 80 Chrystal Couto holds a poster of her grandmother as Aaron Austin looks on in Santa Rosa, Calif. on Friday, Oct. 13, 2017. The couple from Redway, are searching for Couto's grandmother and her husband, who haven't been heard from since a wildfire tore through the older couple's Santa Rosa neighborhood. They are hanging flyers in evacuation centers with photos of the older couple. (AP Photo/Paul Elias) less Chrystal Couto holds a poster of her grandmother as Aaron Austin looks on in Santa Rosa, Calif. on Friday, Oct. 13, 2017. The couple from Redway, are searching for Couto's grandmother and her husband, who ... more Photo: Paul Elias/AP 
 
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 Image 46 of 80 Flowers mark the spot where their father died as Chuck and Mike (R) Rippey stand in the ruins of the house of 100-year-old Charles and 98-year-old Sara Rippey, who were killed in the Atlas Fire just after it began, on October 12, 2017 near Napa, California. Thousands homes have burned and two dozen people have been confirmed dead so far as numerous wildfires continue to spread in eight Northern California counties. (Photo by David McNew/Getty Images) less Flowers mark the spot where their father died as Chuck and Mike (R) Rippey stand in the ruins of the house of 100-year-old Charles and 98-year-old Sara Rippey, who were killed in the Atlas Fire just after it ... more Photo: David McNew/Getty Images 
 
 Image 47 of 80 Wine tanks burned by the Tubbs fire stand behind Robert Ellison's sculpture "Frame" at Paradise Ridge Vineyard & Winery in Santa Rosa, Calif., on Thursday, Oct. 12, 2017. Wine tanks burned by the Tubbs fire stand behind Robert Ellison's sculpture "Frame" at Paradise Ridge Vineyard & Winery in Santa Rosa, Calif., on Thursday, Oct. 12, 2017. Photo: Noah Berger, Special To The Chronicle 
 
 Image 48 of 80 In this Tuesday, Oct. 10, 2017, photo provided by Sam Brinkerhoff, his wife Monica Brinkerhoff takes a photo of her wedding ring that was found in the burned remains of her home in Santa Rosa, Calif. She had hoped to retrieve a passport from her fire-resistant safe, but that too was consumed by the flames. She wasn't prepared for what she did find, the couple's soot-covered engagement rings, with a pair of etched hearts still visible on one of the bands. (Sam Brinkerhoff via AP) less In this Tuesday, Oct. 10, 2017, photo provided by Sam Brinkerhoff, his wife Monica Brinkerhoff takes a photo of her wedding ring that was found in the burned remains of her home in Santa Rosa, Calif. She had ... more Photo: Sam Brinkerhoff/AP 
 
 Image 49 of 80 Firefighters try to extinguish a house fire during the Tubbs Fire on October 12, 2017 near Calistoga, California. At least thirty one people have died in wildfires that have burned tens of thousands of acres and destroyed over 3,500 homes and businesses in several Northern California counties. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images) less Firefighters try to extinguish a house fire during the Tubbs Fire on October 12, 2017 near Calistoga, California. At least thirty one people have died in wildfires that have burned tens of thousands of acres ... more Photo: Justin Sullivan/Getty Images 
 
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 Image 51 of 80 A CalFire chief runs past burning grass during a firing operation while battling the Tubbs Fire on October 12, 2017 near Calistoga, California. At least thirty one people have died in wildfires that have burned tens of thousands of acres and destroyed over 3,500 homes and businesses in several Northern California counties. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images) less A CalFire chief runs past burning grass during a firing operation while battling the Tubbs Fire on October 12, 2017 near Calistoga, California. At least thirty one people have died in wildfires that have burned ... more Photo: Justin Sullivan/Getty Images 
 
 Image 52 of 80 Two firefighters watch for spot fires Friday, Oct. 13, 2017, near Calistoga, Calif. Firefighters gained some ground on a blaze burning in the heart of California's wine country but face another tough day ahead with low humidity and high winds expected to return. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong) less Two firefighters watch for spot fires Friday, Oct. 13, 2017, near Calistoga, Calif. Firefighters gained some ground on a blaze burning in the heart of California's wine country but face another tough day ahead ... more Photo: Jae C. Hong, Associated Press 
 
 Image 53 of 80 A CalFire firefighter uses a hand tool as he monitors a firing operation while battling the Tubbs Fire on October 12, 2017 near Calistoga, California. At least thirty one people have died in wildfires that have burned tens of thousands of acres and destroyed over 3,500 homes and businesses in several Northern California counties. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images) less A CalFire firefighter uses a hand tool as he monitors a firing operation while battling the Tubbs Fire on October 12, 2017 near Calistoga, California. At least thirty one people have died in wildfires that have ... more Photo: Justin Sullivan/Getty Images 
 
 Image 54 of 80 A firefighter carries a water hose to put out a fire during along the Highway 29 Friday, Oct. 13, 2017, near Calistoga, Calif. Firefighters gained some ground on a blaze burning in the heart of California's wine country but face another tough day ahead with low humidity and high winds expected to return. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong) less A firefighter carries a water hose to put out a fire during along the Highway 29 Friday, Oct. 13, 2017, near Calistoga, Calif. Firefighters gained some ground on a blaze burning in the heart of California's ... more Photo: Jae C. Hong, Associated Press 
 
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 Image 56 of 80 Firefighters watch from their fire trucks as wildfires continue to burn Thursday, Oct. 12, 2017, near Calistoga, Calif. Some of the state's most historic tourist sites, including Sonoma city and Calistoga in Napa Valley, were ghost towns populated only by fire crews trying to stop the advancing infernos. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong) less Firefighters watch from their fire trucks as wildfires continue to burn Thursday, Oct. 12, 2017, near Calistoga, Calif. Some of the state's most historic tourist sites, including Sonoma city and Calistoga in ... more Photo: Jae C. Hong, Associated Press 
 
 Image 57 of 80 The Puerta la Cruz female inmate firefighter crew clears vegetation near homes in Dry Creek Canyon to try to save them as the Partrick Fire approaches on October 12, 2017 west of Napa, California. Inmate hand crews work under the supervision of Cal Fire, which refers to them as firefighters rather than prisoners because they perform the same job as the elite Hot Shot firefighter crews. Thousands of homes have burned, at least 31 people confirmed killed with hundreds still missing as California wildfires continue to spread out of control. (Photo by David McNew/Getty Images) less The Puerta la Cruz female inmate firefighter crew clears vegetation near homes in Dry Creek Canyon to try to save them as the Partrick Fire approaches on October 12, 2017 west of Napa, California. Inmate hand ... more Photo: David McNew/Getty Images 
 
 Image 58 of 80 Firefighters try to extinguish a house fire during the Tubbs Fire on October 12, 2017 near Calistoga, California. At least thirty one people have died in wildfires that have burned tens of thousands of acres and destroyed over 3,500 homes and businesses in several Northern California counties. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images) less Firefighters try to extinguish a house fire during the Tubbs Fire on October 12, 2017 near Calistoga, California. At least thirty one people have died in wildfires that have burned tens of thousands of acres ... more Photo: Justin Sullivan/Getty Images 
 
 Image 59 of 80 Neighbors gather along Old Vineyard Road to watch the progress of the fire as the Partrick Fire continue to burn slowly east of Sonoma, Calif., on Thursday, October 12, 2017. The Napa and Sonoma valleys continue to be under threat from several fires not yet under control and growing fears that strong winds might worsen the situation. less Neighbors gather along Old Vineyard Road to watch the progress of the fire as the Partrick Fire continue to burn slowly east of Sonoma, Calif., on Thursday, October 12, 2017. The Napa and Sonoma valleys ... more Photo: Carlos Avila Gonzalez, The Chronicle 
 
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 Image 61 of 80 Buy photo Flames erupt off Lovall Valley Road as the Partrick Fire continue to burn slowly east of Sonoma, Calif., on Thursday, October 12, 2017. The Napa and Sonoma valleys continue to be under threat from several fires not yet under control and growing fears that strong winds might worsen the situation. less Flames erupt off Lovall Valley Road as the Partrick Fire continue to burn slowly east of Sonoma, Calif., on Thursday, October 12, 2017. The Napa and Sonoma valleys continue to be under threat from several fires ... more Photo: Carlos Avila Gonzalez, The Chronicle Buy this photo 
 
 Image 62 of 80 Homes leveled by the Tubbs fire line a neighborhood of Santa Rosa, Calif., on Wednesday, Oct. 11, 2017. Homes leveled by the Tubbs fire line a neighborhood of Santa Rosa, Calif., on Wednesday, Oct. 11, 2017. Photo: Noah Berger, Special To The Chronicle 
 
 Image 63 of 80 Buy photo A Cal Fire helicopter drops water on a smoldering area as the Partrick Fire continue to burn slowly east of Sonoma, Calif., on Thursday, October 12, 2017. The Napa and Sonoma valleys continue to be under threat from several fires not yet under control and growing fears that strong winds might worsen the situation. less A Cal Fire helicopter drops water on a smoldering area as the Partrick Fire continue to burn slowly east of Sonoma, Calif., on Thursday, October 12, 2017. The Napa and Sonoma valleys continue to be under threat ... more Photo: Carlos Avila Gonzalez, The Chronicle Buy this photo 
 
 Image 64 of 80 Dr. Emily Putt tries to calm an anxious horse as her friend retrieves tranquilizers to administer to it as they rescue two horses for an evacuation Oct. 11, 2017 in Sonoma, Calif. Putt has been working with her friends since Monday, when the fires broke out, to rescue animals that are being threatened by the fires. less Dr. Emily Putt tries to calm an anxious horse as her friend retrieves tranquilizers to administer to it as they rescue two horses for an evacuation Oct. 11, 2017 in Sonoma, Calif. Putt has been working with her ... more Photo: Leah Millis, The Chronicle 
 
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 Image 66 of 80 A grove of trees near Trinity Road glows as it burns near a vineyard after a mandatory evacuation was called in the area of Glen Ellen, Calif., on Wednesday, October 11, 2017. The Napa and Sonoma valleys continue to be under threat from several fires not yet under control and growing fears that strong winds might worsen the situation. less A grove of trees near Trinity Road glows as it burns near a vineyard after a mandatory evacuation was called in the area of Glen Ellen, Calif., on Wednesday, October 11, 2017. The Napa and Sonoma valleys ... more Photo: Carlos Avila Gonzalez, The Chronicle 
 
 Image 67 of 80 Two police officers direct a motorist to return at a road closure at Madrone Road after a mandatory evacuation was called in the area of Glen Ellen, Calif., on Wednesday, October 11, 2017. The Napa and Sonoma valleys continue to be under threat from several fires not yet under control and growing fears that strong winds might worsen the situation. less Two police officers direct a motorist to return at a road closure at Madrone Road after a mandatory evacuation was called in the area of Glen Ellen, Calif., on Wednesday, October 11, 2017. The Napa and Sonoma ... more Photo: Carlos Avila Gonzalez, The Chronicle 
 
 Image 68 of 80 Off. Richard Quintana and fellow California Highway Patrol officers go door to door urging residents to leave Sonoma, Calif., on Wednesday, Oct. 11, 2017. Off. Richard Quintana and fellow California Highway Patrol officers go door to door urging residents to leave Sonoma, Calif., on Wednesday, Oct. 11, 2017. Photo: Noah Berger, Special To The Chronicle 
 
 Image 69 of 80 John Gilson and Derek DeBendetti (left to right) try to put out a hot spot at Cardinal Newman High School in Santa Rosa, Ca. on Wednesday, October 11, 2017. Gilson is Dean of Students at Cardinal Newman as well as the Varsity Women's Soccer coach and Freshman Baseball coach. DeBanedetti is a math teacher at Cardinal Newman and the Varisty Baseball Coach. The school suffered major damages in the Tubbs Fire. less John Gilson and Derek DeBendetti (left to right) try to put out a hot spot at Cardinal Newman High School in Santa Rosa, Ca. on Wednesday, October 11, 2017. Gilson is Dean of Students at Cardinal Newman as well ... more Photo: Alex Washburn, The Chronicle 
 
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 Image 71 of 80 A firefighter works in a devastated neighborhood as an American flag flies from the remains of a home on Willowview Ct. off Skyview Dr. Oct. 11, 2017 in Santa Rosa, Calif. A firefighter works in a devastated neighborhood as an American flag flies from the remains of a home on Willowview Ct. off Skyview Dr. Oct. 11, 2017 in Santa Rosa, Calif. Photo: Leah Millis, The Chronicle 
 
 Image 72 of 80 Karen Balestieri and Heidi Facciano (left to right) marvel at a pond of live koi fish which survived the Tubbs fire in the neighborhood referred to by locals as 'old fountaingrove' in Santa Rosa, Ca. on Wednesday, October 11, 2017. less Karen Balestieri and Heidi Facciano (left to right) marvel at a pond of live koi fish which survived the Tubbs fire in the neighborhood referred to by locals as 'old fountaingrove' in Santa Rosa, Ca. on ... more Photo: Alex Washburn, The Chronicle 
 
 Image 73 of 80 Burned out and collapsed house along Mt Veeder Rd after flames from the Nuns fire moved through the Mt Veeder area in Napa, California, USA 11 Oct 2017. Burned out and collapsed house along Mt Veeder Rd after flames from the Nuns fire moved through the Mt Veeder area in Napa, California, USA 11 Oct 2017. Photo: Peter DaSilva, Special To The Chronicle 
 
 Image 74 of 80 Fire fighters clear a downed tree from across Mt Veeder Rd after flames from the Nuns fire moved through the Mt Veeder area in Napa, California, USA 11 Oct 2017. Fire fighters clear a downed tree from across Mt Veeder Rd after flames from the Nuns fire moved through the Mt Veeder area in Napa, California, USA 11 Oct 2017. Photo: Peter DaSilva, Special To The Chronicle 
 
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 Image 76 of 80 Workers move historic items from the Sonoma Barracks Oct. 11, 2017 in downtown Sonoma, Calif. California State Parks decided to move the items from the Barracks and Mission San Francisco Solano as a precautionary measure as fires burned beyond the town. less Workers move historic items from the Sonoma Barracks Oct. 11, 2017 in downtown Sonoma, Calif. California State Parks decided to move the items from the Barracks and Mission San Francisco Solano as a ... more Photo: Leah Millis, The Chronicle 
 
 Image 77 of 80 A primary school classroom at St. Rose School is seen with damages caused by the Tubbs fire in Santa Rosa, Ca. on Wednesday, October 11, 2017. A primary school classroom at St. Rose School is seen with damages caused by the Tubbs fire in Santa Rosa, Ca. on Wednesday, October 11, 2017. Photo: Alex Washburn, The Chronicle 
 
 Image 78 of 80 Buy photo A firefighter works to control a fire near a bulldozer line created behind homes along Bennett Valley Road as he and other firefighters monitor it 's progress on Wednesday, October 11, 2017 in Santa Rosa, Calif. less A firefighter works to control a fire near a bulldozer line created behind homes along Bennett Valley Road as he and other firefighters monitor it 's progress on Wednesday, October 11, 2017 in Santa Rosa, ... more Photo: Lea Suzuki, The Chronicle Buy this photo 
 
 Image 79 of 80 Fire fighting incident commanders plan for changing weather conditions along Mt Veeder road as flames from the Nuns fire continue to burn in the Mt Veeder area in Napa, California, USA 11 Oct 2017. Fire fighting incident commanders plan for changing weather conditions along Mt Veeder road as flames from the Nuns fire continue to burn in the Mt Veeder area in Napa, California, USA 11 Oct 2017. Photo: Peter DaSilva, Special To The Chronicle ||||| A twisting column of fire known as a “fire devil” leapt out of a wildfire in Portugal, making an already scary-looking blaze appear even more dangerous. 
 
 Just as California has been battling wildfires in recent days, these forest blazes have cropped up in Portugal too. On Sunday in Portugal, the high winds swept up some of the flames into a swirling vortex called a fire devil, but also known as a fire whirl or a fire tornado. 
 
 The latter name, while it may seem visually proper, is not entirely accurate — the phenomenon is closer to a fiery version of a dust devil than a tornado. Dust devils are thin spirals of air that form in hot and windy conditions — when a certain spot on the ground is hotter than those around it, it heats up adjacent air that then rises upward and can be thrown into a sideways rotation if a blast of air hits it from the right angle. The spiral picks up small material like dust as it twists up. 
 
 With a fire devil, there is a similar underlying process: A particularly hot area on the ground makes heated air rise and, with a blast of wind, creates a swirling column of air that carries things upward from the ground — in this case, fire and ash. 
 
 “I would just call them fire vortices but that doesn’t sound so sexy to the public, so I would call them fire devils,” climatologist Mark Wysocki said, according to Live Science. “These plumes form in a very small region over the land. … They start to rise very rapidly, and as things start to rise, they suck the surrounding air in like a vacuum. Then you get this twisting that begins to resemble a vortex.” 
 
 The higher it goes, the thinner and faster it gets. 
 
 Tornadoes, on the other hand, are much larger and form during thunderstorms. While scientists don’t completely understand the processes behind the funnel’s formation, it could be related to sections of atmosphere with different conditions meeting one another, like different wind speeds, moisture levels and temperatures. 
 
 Fire devils are not common occurrences but can whirl up during a wildfire because of the heat and wind conditions during those events. They occur in dry areas, such as when a place gets little rainfall. When the vegetation is dried out enough, a spark from a strike of lightning, a poorly controlled campfire or a smoldering cigarette butt can set plants ablaze, with high winds helping to spread the flames. 
 
 Wildfires can create walls of flame that reach dozens of feet into the air. The heat from the fire is intense, one of the many hazards to human life and anything else in its path. 
 
 The Express reported that Portugal has seen numerous wildfires this year, due to a dry and hot summer. That includes five large fires around the nation this weekend, which about 1,000 firefighters were trying to control. One blaze in June killed 64 people, some of them on a bridge that caught fire. ||||| Live updates: 17 dead in Wine Country fires; Sonoma Valley area evacuated 
 
 Now Playing: Now Playing Resident Films His Neighborhood Burning in Santa Rosa Wildfire Storyful 
 
 Mendocino County couple makes terrifying escape through flames sfgate 
 
 Dispatch calls link PG&E; power lines to wild fires KTVU 
 
 Sonoma County deputy drives through Tubbs Fire KSBW 
 
 Helicopter footage of damage from Tubbs Fire sfgate 
 
 Old Fountaingrove neighborhood destroyed by Tubbs Fire sfgate 
 
 Family on Shallow Creek Dr. in Santa Rosa loses home sfgate 
 
 Son: Calif. Fire Victims Were Married 75 Years AP 
 
 Napa resident talks about evacuating due to fire sfgate 
 
 Paras Vineyards goes up in flames sfgate 
 
 Charisse Desmarais searches her remains of her mother's home sfgate 
 
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 Tubbs Fire devastates parts of Santa Rosa sfgate 
 
 Santa Rosa businesses burn in Tubbs Fire sfgate 
 
 Half of Santa Rosa neighborhood suffers fire damage, the other does not KTVU 
 
 A structure burns in Napa sfgate 
 
 Santa Rosa mobile home park destroyed by fire sfgate 
 
 Structures burning on Patrick Rd. sfgate 
 
 These are the latest developments in the North Bay fires up to 12:35 a.m. Wednesday; click here to see more recent updates from The Chronicle's newsroom: 
 
 12:35 a.m. Sonoma Valley evacuations: The Sonoma County Sheriff’s office ordered mandatory evacuations of the following areas: Moon Mountain Road, Mission Way, London Way, Martin Road, Cavedale Road, and Adobe Way. The office also is advising Agua Caliente residents along Hwy 12 between Agua Caliente Road and Madrone Road to pack bags and be ready in case evacuations there are ordered. 
 
 12:21 a.m. Tubbs Fire grows: The Tubbs Fire has grown to 28,000 acres and continues threatening 16,000 structures, according to CalFire. 
 
 10:40 p.m. Geyserville area evacuations: New evacuations were ordered in the Geyserville area, including all residences between 1922 Highway 28 and the Russian River, the Sonoma County sheriff’s office said. Downtown Geyserville residents are being told to prepare to evacuate in case an order is issued. 
 
 10:03 p.m. St. Helena warned: St. Helena city officials were encouraging residents to pack bags and get ready for possible evacuation after mandatory evacuations were ordered near Mt. Veeder, about 10 miles south of St. Helena, due to the Nuns Fire. St. Helena police, however, assured residents they are not under an evacuation order. 
 
 9:45 p.m. More Evacuations: Evacuations were conducted on Dry Creek Road in Napa County and the road is now closed from Orchard Ave to Oakville Grade. In addition, evacuations were conducted on Redwood Road, and Redwood Road at the intersection of Browns Valley Road is now closed, the Napa County Sheriff reported. 
 
 8:57 p.m. Fairfield-Suisun schools closed: Superintendent Kris Corey said that all schools in the Fairfield-Suisun School district will be closed Wednesday. Employees will not report to work and all district sites will be closed to the public. 
 
 8:42 p.m. Atlas Fire 3% Contained: CalFire says the Atlas Fire has burned 26,000 acres, destroyed 125 structures and is now 3% contained. Five thousand structures remain threatened. 
 
 8:16 p.m. Eleven Shelters Full: Sonoma County authorities said 11 emergency shelters were now full but 25 still had space available, including two shelters that were accepting large pets. For information, click here. 
 
 7:40 p.m. Structures threatened: The Tubbs Fire is threatening more than 16,000 structures — on top of the nearly 600 structures that have been destroyed in the blaze already, according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection. 
 
 7:10 p.m. New death toll: Two more fatalities were confirmed by the Sonoma County Coroner’s Office Tuesday night — bringing the total in the Northern California fire deaths to 17. Five people died in the Larkfield area, just north of Santa Rosa while another six died in city limits, according to sheriff officials. 
 
 6:55 p.m. The scene from Bennett Valley: As evacuation orders extended to parts of Bennett Valley, southeast of Santa Rosa, some evacuees stopped at the nearby golf course to watch the unrelenting smoke barrel from Annadel Heights Tuesday afternoon. An intense ring of fire could be at the peak of the mountain top, with new flare ups visible further down the mountain every few minutes. 
 
 Sean Coleman watched the hills burn, worried about what would happen once the sun set and the winds got worse. 
 
 Coleman and his fiancé were evacuated from central Santa Rosa Monday, and came to Bennett Valley Hills Tuesday to help police evacuate people from their homes. 
 
 "The winds will determine everything," he said. 
 
 6:25 p.m. Solano County evacuations expand: Officials have issued a mandatory evacuation order for Gordon Valley, Williams, Lambert, and Clayton roads in Solano County on Tuesday night. “The fire has jumped to Wooden Valley Road and is moving southeast,” read a statement released by the Fairfield Police. 
 
 6:20 p.m.: Clarification on evacuations: The Larkfield area just north of Santa Rosa was evacuated on Sunday and continues to remain closed, according to the Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office. The area had been reported incorrectly earlier by officials as being a new area for evacuations. 
 
 6:00 p.m.: Emergency declaration declared in Solano: Gov. Jerry Brown has declared a state of emergency in Solano County because the Atlas Fire has damaged infrastructure and is threatening homes. 
 
 5:35 p.m. Santa Rosa danger: Fire is threatening the Annadel Heights area in eastern Santa Rosa. Residents in the area bordered on the north by Parktrail Drive and on the west by Summerfield Road should evacuate immediately, the Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office says. 
 
 5:20 p.m. Miscommunication on evacuations: The Pacific Heights area just north of Santa Rosa is not under evacuation, according to the Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office. The initial evacuation order was a “miscommunication,” they said in a statement. 
 
 4:55 p.m.: Solano County evacuations: Officials report that the the Atlas Fire has crested the ridge at Twin Sisters Road in Solano County on Tuesday afternoon. Sheriff’s deputies are “going door-to-door on Twin Sisters Road, reverifying any remaining inhabitants and urging them to leave immediately.” 
 
 4:50 p.m.: More evacuations near Santa Rosa: Officials are evacuating an area called Pacific Heights just north of Santa Rosa. The latest evacuations are near where people were ordered to leave a short time ago near Shiloh Ranch Regional Park. 
 
 4:35 p.m. College closed: Sonoma State University has suspended classes for Wednesday because of the fires in the area. The school was closed both Monday and Tuesday. 
 
 4:30 p.m. Inmates fighting off blazes: More than 500 inmate firefighters are battling the wildfires in Northern California, officials said Tuesday. The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation reports that another 300 inmate firefighters are hitting the blazes in Southern California on Tuesday. 
 
 4:20 p.m.: Fires near Santa Rosa: A fire is burning south of Shiloh Ranch Regional Park just north of Santa Rosa, Sonoma County sheriff’s officials say. People in the area of Faught and Montebello roads are being evacuated. Separately, evacuations also are under way near the Bennett Valley Golf Course southeast of Santa Rosa. 
 
 4:03 p.m. Wildfires labeled ‘worst fire disaster in California history’ : Rep. Mike Thompson, D-Napa, surveyed Northern California’s decimated fire region on Monday. He said at the Sonoma County Fairgrounds Tuesday, “It’s devastating. I fully expect this will be the worst fire disaster in California history.” 
 
 3:52 p.m. First responders in Napa, Sonoma counties lose homes in wildfires: Mill Valley Fire Chief Tom Welch lost his home while working the wildfires, city officials said. In Sonoma County, at least 20 sheriff’s office employees lost their homes as well, authorities said. 
 
 3:30 p.m. School closures in Napa, Sonoma counties: All schools in the Napa Valley Unified School District will be closed Wednesday and Thursday, according to city officials. All schools in Sonoma Valley Unified School District will be closed for the rest of the week, district officials said. Classes at Sonoma State University have been suspended for Wednesday, while Santa Rosa Junior College will be closed through Sunday. 
 
 2:51 p.m. More than 180 people missing in Sonoma County: Fifty-seven out of 240 people reported missing in Sonoma County have been found, said Sonoma County Sheriff Rob Giordano. Downed cell phone towers and more than 25 evacuation centers contributed to difficulties in finding loved ones, he said. Many people have been reported missing from nursing homes. A team of police officers will begin the mission to excavate bodies possibly buried in the charred rubble Tuesday evening, Giordano said. 
 
 2:30 p.m. Pelosi calls on Congress to provide aid: Rep. Nancy Pelosi, D-San Francisco, called the Trump administration’s major disaster declaration for the California fires an “appreciated first step” but said Tuesday afternoon that more was needed. “Speaker (Paul) Ryan and Republicans must work with Democrats to update federal relief estimates and adjust the supplemental disaster package so that we can make available all necessary resources for those devastated by these wildfires,” she said in a statement. 
 
 2:28 p.m. Nuns Fire racing toward Oakmont in Santa Rosa: The Santa Rosa Police Department sent out an urgent tweet warning Tuesday afternoon of a fast-moving wildfire encroaching on the Oakmont senior living community on three sides. The Police Department tweeted, “#NunsFire is rapidly approaching Oakmont. Oakmont is still under mandatory evacuation - all residents must leave now!” Oakmont has been under mandatory evacuation since Monday. 
 
 2 p.m. Sonoma Raceway opens to evacuees: The Sonoma Raceway is welcoming wildfire evacuees to its 50-acre campground, officials announced. The campground, across from the raceway on Highway 121, will have basic services for recreational vehicles, including water and sewage. For more information contact the Sonoma Raceway at (800) 870-7223 or email sonomaraceway@sonomaraceway.com. 
 
 1:15 p.m. Sonoma County warns of criminal action against price gougers and looters: People are being asked to call 911 to report suspected looting. Any vendor offering products and services with more than a 10 percent markup is breaking the law and should be reported to the Sonoma County District Attorney’s Office. 
 
 “Please be advised that any looters who are apprehended will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law,” District Attorney Jill Ravitch said in a statement. 
 
 Santa Rosa has issued a curfew from 6:45 p.m. until 7:15 a.m. in the mandatory evacuation area. Breaking curfew is a misdemeanor, officials said. 
 
 1 p.m. Tens of thousands without power in Sonoma County: Pacific Gas and Electric Company is working to restore power to 50,260 customers impacted by the wildfires in Sonoma County. About 28,000 customers are without gas service in Santa Rosa, Windsor, Yountville, Napa, and Kenwood, according to Shirlee Zane, chair of the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors. 
 
 12:18 p.m.: High-wind warning: The National Weather Service has issued a red-flag warning for Wednesday night and Thursday for hills in the North Bay and East Bay, predicting northeast winds of up to 30 mph and gusts of 45 mph. The warning starts at 5 p.m. Wednesday in the North Bay hills and 11 p.m. in the East Bay hills, and runs through 5 p.m. Thursday. High winds contributed to the explosive spread of fires throughout the North Bay on Sunday night and Monday. 
 
 12:08 p.m. Thousands remain in shelters in Napa and Sonoma counties: More than 3,000 people remain in shelters as 17 wildfires have burned through 115,000 acres across California. Wildfires statewide have left at least 2,000 structures destroyed, officials announced at a California Office of Emergency Services press conference. 
 
 12 p.m. Wildfire death toll reaches 15: Two more fatalities have been confirmed by Sonoma County sheriff’s officials , marking nine deaths in Sonoma County. Northern California fires have now killed 15 people, including two in Napa County, three in Mendocino County and one in Yuba County. More than 200 people had been reported missing in Sonoma County, and 45 of those people have been found, officials said. 
 
 11:45 a.m. Santa Rosa smolders: Along Highway 101 through Santa Rosa, visibility for drivers extended no more than 300 yards and traffic was stop and go in both directions Tuesday morning. 
 
 The sun was nearly blotted out by a sky filled with gray ash and smoke. Skeletons of trees, gutted buildings and burned-out cars lined roadways. Occasional flames burned on wooden structures holding up highway guardrails. Fields, lawns, a pizza joint and grocery store that were fully engulfed in flames Monday continued to smolder Tuesday. 
 
 Frustrated residents were trying to find any exit that wasn’t closed down to get off the highway and find a backroad home to survey the damage. Police weren’t letting them, for the most part. 
 
 11:17 a.m. Authorities seek suspicious person in small San Rafael vegetation fire: A man was seen running from the scene of a vegetation fire that broke out Tuesday morning in San Rafael, according to the city fire department. The fire burned less than an acre and was quickly contained. Fire officials ask that anyone with information on the man call 911. 
 
 11 a.m. Nearly half of downed cell sites restored: Seventy-seven cell sites were down from loss of power or fire damage, and 35 are running again, according to State Senator Mike McGuire. Tens of thousands of customers remain without cell phone service in the fire zones in Napa and Sonoma counties, he said. 
 
 10:25 a.m. Vice President Mike Pence pledges aid in the North Bay wildfires: “To California, we say though this declaration, we are with you, our prayers are with you and we will be with you every day until we put the fires out,” Pence said. 
 
 President Trump approved the major disaster declaration, which will give California additional federal resources and funding to fight fires up and down the state. Pence said legislation that will be considered in Congress next week includes $576 million for fire suppression. 
 
 10:12 a.m. Agencies protect homes from looting: The California National Guard is working to protect property in the wild fires. Mendocino County reported at least one looter was arrested in the fire area on Monday. 
 
 9:29 a.m. Mendocino death toll rises: The number of people killed in a wildfire in the Mendocino County town of Redwood Valley now stands at three. Cal Fire officials said the victims died when the Redwood Complex Fire tore through the town of 2,000 people Sunday night and Monday. Their names have not been released. Four more people suffered major burn injuries, and about two dozen others suffered lesser burn injuries, Cal Fire said. Roughly 50 homes were destroyed in the town, located 8 miles north of Ukiah on Highway 101. 
 
 9:17 a.m. Couple identified as Napa victims: Charles and Sarah Rippey were identified as victims from the wildfires in Napa, county sheriff John Robertson said. Charles was 100 years old and his wife was 98. 
 
 The couple died while trying to escape their home in the 100 block of Westgate Circle in Santa Rosa, Robertson said. 
 
 9 a.m. Small vegetation fire in San Rafael: A vegetation fire less than one acre large started off Professional Center Parkway. Firefighters stopped forward progress. No damage or injuries have been reported, according to fire officials. 
 
 8:45 a.m. Napa County cell service limited: With spotty service affecting thousands of cell phone users in Napa County, the sheriff’s department announced a website for people to go on and post they are safe. 
 
 With dozens of people still missing from the fires ravaging Napa and Sonoma counties, residents with cell reception problems are encouraged to log on to safeandwell.org and register their names. 
 
 8 a.m. Cascade Fire in Yuba County spreads: The deadly Cascade Fire has reached 11,500 acres, a growth of more than 3,000 acres overnight, officials said Tuesday. 
 
 It was 15 percent contained, according to Cal Fire. The blaze killed vehicle fleeing from the town of Loma Rica. 
 
 7:42 a.m. Dozens reported missing in Sonoma County: Roughly 150 people have been reported missing as a result of wild fires, said Sgt. Spencer Crum, a sheriff’s office spokesman. 
 
 7:32 a.m. Tubbs Fire grows: The Tubbs fire in Sonoma County is now at 27,000 acres, growing 2,000 acres overnight, according to Cal Fire. 
 
 7:01 a.m. Nuns fire spreads: Santa Rosa police announce the Nuns fire is moving to the southwest corner of Oakmont. 
 
 7 a.m. School closures stay in place: All schools in Napa and Sonoma counties remain closed Tuesday due to wildfires, district officials announced. 
 
 6 a.m. Death toll rises to 11: One person died early Monday morning trying to flee the Cascade Fire in Yuba County, county spokesman Russ Brown confirmed Tuesday. 
 
 The person, whose name was not immediately released, was in a vehicle fleeing from the town of Loma Rica, ran off a back-road and became trapped in the fire, Brown said. 
 
 Northern California fires have now killed 11 people, including seven in Sonoma County, two in Napa County and one in Mendocino County. 
 
 The Cascade fire is one of at least 15 blazes burning in Northern California. It has consumed 8,200 acres and was only 10 percent contained Tuesday morning. 
 
 5 a.m. Cooler temperatures, but fires rage: Cool overnight temperatures aided firefighters battling blazes in Napa and Sonoma counties, but the fires continued to rage out of control Tuesday morning. 
 
 High temperatures in the North Bay are forecast to be in the mid 70s to upper 70s, generally 5 to 10 degrees cooler than Monday, said Charles Bell, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service. 
 
 At least eight fires were burning across Northern California Tuesday with little to no containment, officials said. The fires have killed at least 10 people, including seven in Sonoma County, two in Napa County and one in Mendocino County. 
 
 1:33 a.m. Santa Rosa water alert: Santa Rosa Fire Department officials are advising residents of the Fountaingrove neighborhood to boil their water to ensure it is safe to drink — if they have low or no water pressure. 
 
 Chronicle staff writers Kimberly Veklerov, Melody Gutierrez, Marissa Lang, Michael Cabanatuan, Steve Rubenstein and Annie Ma contributed to this report. 
 
 Click here for previous updates from the Wine Country fire coverage ||||| Southern California wildfires burn homes, close freeways as thousands evacuated 
 
 Image 1 of / 124 Caption Close Southern California wildfires burn homes, close freeways as thousands evacuated 1 / 124 Back to Gallery 
 
 VENTURA — Ferocious Santa Ana winds blew flames across bone-dry grasslands and into neighborhoods, leveling at least 180 structures and forcing tens of thousands to flee, while ensuring that the state’s worst fire season on record would push well into the holidays. 
 
 The Thomas Fire, which broke out around 6:30 p.m. Monday in the foothills near Thomas Aquinas College in Santa Paula and remained out of control on Tuesday night, swept west and devoured rows of homes, two apartment buildings and a private psychiatric hospital as it raced over grasslands into communities. 
 
 It was the worst of four fires that by late Tuesday had burned more than 66,000 acres in Southern California, prompting Gov. Jerry Brown to declare a state of emergency in Ventura County as Bay Area fire departments sent reinforcements south. 
 
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 Thomas fire: Adam Maingot saves parents Ventura home Media: Los Angeles Times 
 
 RAW: Fast-moving brush fire explodes in Ventura County Media: Los Angeles Times 
 
 'Out of Control' Fire Threatens Thousands in Southern California Media: Wibbitz 
 
 “The prospects for containment are not good,” said Ventura County Fire Chief Mark Lorenzen at a news conference. “Really, Mother Nature is going to decide.” 
 
 As neighborhoods turned into scenes of vast ruin and freeways closed down, California got a frightening replay of the October infernos in Wine Country that killed 44 people, destroyed 8,900 structures and, like the Thomas Fire, were driven by nighttime windstorms that blasted flames from more rugged areas into communities built along the edge of the wildland. 
 
 By Tuesday morning, the Thomas Fire had burned into Ventura, a city of more than 105,000 residents located about 65 miles northwest of Los Angeles on Highway 101. Vista del Mar Hospital, a private psychiatric facility, burned to the ground after its residents and workers were evacuated, as did 150 buildings, including the pair of apartment complexes. 
 
 More than 1,000 firefighters worked through the night protecting buildings, including City Hall, where the flames reached the parking lot, destroyed a couple of cars and left an adjacent hillside blackened and smoldering. 
 
 “It seemed like a lava flow coming down toward the city,” said Vince Tovey, an electrical inspector for Ventura. 
 
 A firefighter was injured when he was struck by a vehicle during the response to the blaze, said the Ventura County Fire Department. Some 27,000 people were under mandatory evacuation in Ventura, Santa Paula and Ojai, and at least 7,000 more homes were evacuated between Santa Paula and Ventura, a distance of more than 12 miles, officials said. Hundreds of thousands of people lost power. 
 
 In issuing his emergency proclamation to secure state and federal disaster resources, Brown cited the destruction, the threats to critical infrastructure and the high winds. 
 
 “This fire is very dangerous and spreading rapidly, but we’ll continue to attack it with all we’ve got,” Brown said. “It’s critical residents stay ready and evacuate immediately if told to do so.” 
 
 Evacuee Lorie Denis, 56, stared at the devastation late Tuesday morning as firefighters poured water on the blackened hull of the Harbor View Apartments in the foothills above downtown Ventura. 
 
 She had been awakened by a neighbor’s phone call and had time to grab a few possessions from a safe — among them her late husband’s wedding ring and watch — as well as her dog, Carson. She tried to save her neighbor’s two cats but could find only one before a neighbor screamed for her to leave. 
 
 “I thought we were done,” she said. “It was raining fire.” 
 
 Judy Terry, 69, was getting ready for bed Monday night when she got an alert as well as a phone call from her landlord telling her to leave. She got dressed, grabbed her dog, Sweetie, and corralled neighbors into her car for a drive through heavy smoke to the Ventura County Fairgrounds. 
 
 “All I had time to do was get up, get dressed and leave and help others,” said Terry, who with more than 600 others spent the night on a Red Cross cot in what is normally a livestock center, with her Maltese-poodle mix pup by her side. 
 
 As the fire crept near Ventura’s downtown, the wind howled and pieces of palm trees and tumbleweeds blew through the streets as thick brown smoke blanketed the region. Many people wore masks as they walked through the area. 
 
 Burning as well was the Creek Fire in the San Fernando Valley north of Los Angeles, which started at 3:42 a.m. Tuesday in the Angeles National Forest and spread to more than 11,000 acres. At least 30 homes in Sylmar and Lakeview Terrace were destroyed, thousands of others were evacuated, and two firefighters were injured. 
 
 The Little Mountain Fire broke out about 12:28 p.m. Tuesday on a hill behind a strip mall south of California State University San Bernardino, and spread to 100 acres by the afternoon. The fire injured two people, one critically, and forced closure of northbound Interstate 215, said Eric Sherwin, a spokesman for the San Bernardino County Fire Department. 
 
 The Rye Fire erupted just before 10 a.m. Tuesday about 30 miles northwest of Los Angeles, shutting down Interstate 5 in both directions near Santa Clarita. The fire broke out in the Rye Canyon Loop and grew to 5,000 acres by Tuesday afternoon. It was 5 percent contained, while the other fires had no containment. 
 
 Each of the fires was pushed by dry Santa Ana winds, with gusts up to 60 mph. The winds, which originate inland, are similar to the Diablo winds that fueled the wildfires in Northern California. Fire officials said the weather was making it difficult for aircraft and helicopters to fight the blazes. 
 
 “This is mirroring the Tubbs Fire we had to deal with in Northern California,” said Scott McLean, a deputy chief for the state’s Cal Fire agency. “We’re dealing with extreme wind conditions and weather that is extremely dry and (difficult) topography. This is not flat land, and some areas are inaccessible to get equipment to.” 
 
 The Santa Ana winds, which typically occur in the fall, could last as long as 10 days, forecasters said. 
 
 “They’ve died down slightly, but they’re going to increase again (Tuesday) evening, so it’s kind of like a seesaw,” McLean said. “This just shows us that there is no fire season anymore. It’s December. We have fires all year round now.” 
 
 Firefighters in Southern California are used to clusters of wind-driven fires in the fall. In October 2003, Santa Ana winds fed the ruinous Cedar Fire in San Diego County, which consumed 2,820 structures, and the Old Fire, in San Bernardino County, which wiped out 1,003 buildings. 
 
 But fires spread by extreme offshore gusts are rare this time of year — even in Southern California, which is typically warmer and drier during the winter than the rest of the state. Cal Fire anticipated the danger, maintaining staffing on 148 engines and keeping reserve firefighters on duty. 
 
 “We continue to see more and more extreme fires and extreme weather events,” said Chief Ken Pimlott, the Cal Fire director. “The challenges of our changing climate are real. Historically, winter was a time we could regroup, but spending the holiday season on the fire lines is likely to become more the norm.” 
 
 Ventura County has been exceedingly dry in recent months. The area has received 0.13 of an inch of rain since July 1, said the National Weather Service. 
 
 “We had rains last winter that caused all the brush and everything to grow, and throughout the summer they dried out,” said Los Angeles County Fire Department Inspector Joey Marron. “Now with these winds, any little spark is fuel.” 
 
 A San Francisco Fire Department strike team of 22 firefighters rushed to the Thomas Fire on five engines Tuesday. Fire crews from Marin and Alameda counties, Oakland, Fremont and Hayward were also being sent. 
 
 The winds continued to blow Tuesday as Tovey, the city of Ventura electrical inspector, patrolled the perimeter of the Thomas Fire in his city vehicle, turning back residents trying to reach their homes. 
 
 “One of the downsides living in California,” he said of the wildfire danger. “There aren’t many, but this is one of them.” 
 
 Sophie Haigney, Steve Rubenstein, Peter Fimrite and Jill Tucker are San Francisco Chronicle staff writers. Email: sophie.haigney@sfchronicle.com, srubenstein@sfchronicle.com, pfimrite@sfchronicle.com, jtucker@sfchronicle.com. Twitter: @SophieHaigney, @SteveRubeSF, @pfimrite, @JillTucker.
– Like earthquakes can unleash tsunamis, strong winds and the California wildfires apparently set loose another type of natural disaster: fire tornadoes. And the San Francisco Chronicle says the fire-filled tornadoes that hit Santa Rosa last week, driven by nearly 80mph winds, wreaked major havoc, tossing cars, pulling trees out of the ground, and ripping the roofs off of houses. "I've been in this business 30 years and it's the worst I've seen," Scott Upton, a chief for the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, says of the tornadoes created during the Tubbs Fire. The Chronicle explains the science behind the tornado formation: As powerful winds drive the fire's flames into neighborhoods, the heat rises and draws those gusts up with it, creating the tornado, or "fire whirl," a vortex of hot and cool air capable of mass destruction. This type of event, also referred to as a "fire devil," can be so strong it's capable of lifting an entire home in the air; the paper notes one such incident that took place in 1926. The location of the neighborhoods affected by the Tubbs Fire also exacerbated things: The wind sped up as it pushed the fire through a valley and toward residences, creating what Ken Pimlott, the head of CalFire, calls "a very different kind of fire." It was "almost horizontal," he says. "When it hit those homes, it was like a blowtorch." The Press Democrat details the Tubbs Fire's 12-mile "deadly march" from its point of origin in Calistoga to Santa Rosa. Curious to know what one of these frightening flame-storms looks like without getting too close? Mashable features a video, in which firefighters filmed a recent fire tornado raging through central Portugal. Newsweek has footage, too, out of California and Texas.