One of the most enduring and frightening images of Northern California's 2018 Carr Fire was a giant wildfire-fueled tornado, reportedly the first such phenomenon seen in the United States.
It was the most powerful tornado ever recorded in California — a monster EF-3, as measured by the National Weather Service. Less than 3 percent of tornados wield so much power, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
A Marin County fire crew was right in its path. "They got burned over and were in danger of losing their lives," said Andy Bozzo, a captain for the Contra Costa County Fire Protection District. "They were on the mountain, looking for escape routes. These guys were in the middle of it."
The crew's commander was a mile or so away.