Chasing 'Fire Clouds' to Understand Wildfire Extremes

§What changed

Previously, direct, high-altitude observation of the internal dynamics of pyrocumulonimbus clouds was rare. The CAWFE project provided an unprecedented opportunity to gather detailed data from above these extreme weather phenomena as they formed, offering a new level of insight into their structure and how they interact with the atmosphere.

§Why it matters

Understanding pyrocumulonimbus clouds is critical because they represent one of the most extreme forms of wildfire behavior. These systems can generate their own weather, including lightning that can ignite new fires, and can loft smoke into the stratosphere, where it can persist for months and affect atmospheric chemistry and climate on a broad scale. Improved understanding can lead to better fire behavior models, enhancing safety for firefighters and the public.

§What most people may be missing

The public often sees wildfire smoke as a ground-level or regional air quality issue. Many are unaware that large fires can create their own powerful weather systems that function like thunderstorms. These 'fire clouds' are not just passive plumes; they actively alter the atmosphere, create dangerous downdrafts, and can transport pollutants to altitudes typically reached only by major volcanic eruptions.

§What to watch next

• The publication of scientific papers based on the data collected during the CAWFE campaign.
• Updates to fire behavior and weather forecasting models that incorporate findings on pyroconvection.
• Future airborne science campaigns designed to study other large-scale wildfires and their atmospheric effects.

§Skeptical view

While scientifically valuable, studying the upper-atmospheric effects of wildfires may have limited immediate application for frontline firefighting operations. The data is complex and focused on long-term modeling rather than real-time tactical decision-making. Resources might be better focused on ground-based prevention and suppression techniques that offer more direct and immediate benefits for controlling fires and protecting communities.

§Key facts

• The Cooperative Autumn Wildland Fire-Aircraft Experiment (CAWFE) studied pyrocumulus and pyrocumulonimbus clouds generated by the Pole Creek and Bald Mountain fires in Utah in 2018.
• A NASA ER-2 aircraft, flying at altitudes above 60,000 feet, was used to carry instruments for observing the smoke plumes.
• Pyrocumulonimbus clouds, or 'fire clouds,' are thunderstorms generated by the intense heat of a wildfire.
• These clouds can create their own weather, including strong winds and lightning, and can inject smoke into the stratosphere.
• The research aims to understand the composition of the clouds and how they transport smoke into the upper atmosphere.

§Evidence and sources

Citations link to the primary sources used to compile this signal.