‘Fire whirl’ brings critical conditions in Northern California

Firefighters battling deadly and destructive blazes in Northern California faced worsening weather conditions on Friday after a record-breaking fire tornado last week.

Section:Gallery

Fri., Aug. 3, 2018

A 747 Global Airtanker makes a drop in front of advancing flames from a wildfire Thursday, Aug. 2, 2018, in Lakeport, Calif.

Kent Porter The Press Democrat
A tower of smoke pours from Cow Mountain as Burney, California firefighter Bob May keeps a watch on surrounding vegetation for spot fires during a wildfire off Scotts Valley Road, Thursday, Aug. 2, 2018, near Lakeport, Calif.

Kent Porter The Press Democrat
A firefighter walks around a pool of a home sprayed by phos-chek fire retardant after an air tanker made a pass while fighting a wildfire on Scotts Valley Road near Lakeport, Calif., Thursday, Aug. 2, 2018.

Kent Porter The Press Democrat
Flames from a wildfire advance down a hillside, towering over homes off Scotts Valley Road, Thursday, Aug. 2, 2018, near Lakeport, Calif.

Kent Porter The Press Democrat
Flames from a wildfire advance up a ridge, towering over a home that eventually burned, Thursday, Aug. 2, 2018, near Lakeport, Calif.

Kent Porter The Press Democrat
Firefighters stand watch on a roof as a wildfire sweeps through the area near Lakeport, Calif., Thursday, August 2, 2018.

Kent Porter The Press Democrat