Western Megafires Spawn Dangerous Fire Clouds, Exposing Federal Fire Management Failures

The escalating wildfire crises burning across Arizona and Utah are producing an alarming phenomenon: towering "fire clouds" that create their own unpredictable and dangerous weather. These pyrocumulus and pyrocumulonimbus clouds generate erratic winds that can intensify flames rapidly, putting communities and firefighting crews at grave risk. Are Federal Agencies Equipped to Face These New Fire Threats? In Arizona's Grand Canyon North Rim, the Dragon Bravo Fire has devoured over 164 square miles, making it the largest active blaze in the continental United States. The fire’s extreme heat has spawned persistent pyrocumulus clouds for seven consecutive days—massive smoke columns reaching altitudes...