VIDEO: A towering cloud generated by the Little Giant Fire was visible from across western Washington on Friday, offering a dramatic reminder of the intense conditions fueling wildfires across the region. Photos submitted from around the Puget Sound region showed the massive pyrocumulus cloud rising high above the fire, which is burning northwest of Leavenworth. The cloud was visible from more than 60 miles away.

Pyrocumulus clouds form when an intense wildfire generates enough heat to send smoke, moisture and hot air high into the atmosphere. As the air rises, it cools and condenses into a cloud. Under the right atmospheric conditions, those clouds can continue developing into pyrocumulonimbus clouds, which are capable of producing lightning, strong wind gusts and erratic fire behavior.

The Little Giant Fire has burned more than 19,000 acres since it started July 15 and remains 0% contained, according to the Northwest Interagency Coordination Center. Fire managers reported extreme fire behavior Sunday, with structures threatened and road and trail closures in effect.

On July 25 as of 5:15 p.m., Level 3 “Go Now” evacuation orders were issued for the Trinity area up to Twin Creek Road, also known as Forest Service Road 6209. Level 2 and 1 orders were also in effect for regions of the Entiat Valley.

KING-TV NBC 5 Seattle

The post Towering cloud from Little Giant Fire visible in western WA as wildfire season intensifies appeared first on Daily Dispatch.

California is adopting FireSat satellites to enhance wildfire detection and monitoring, aiming for faster, more accurate data to improve firefighting efforts and resource allocation.

The post FireSat Satellites Promise Faster Wildfire Detection for CA Firefighters appeared first on Fire Apparatus: Fire trucks, fire engines, emergency vehicles, and firefighting equipment.

Cleveland firefighters are facing unsafe working conditions due to prolonged heat in a station lacking air conditioning. The union demands action for improved safety and comfort.

The post The Cleveland (OH) Firefighters Union Says a Station Has Gone Without AC for Months appeared first on Fire Apparatus: Fire trucks, fire engines, emergency vehicles, and firefighting equipment.

The Seattle Fire Department proposed adding drones to enhance emergency response, pending City Council approval, aiming to improve situational awareness and safety during high-risk incidents.

The post Seattle (WA) Fire Department Wants to Start Using Drones. Here’s Why appeared first on Fire Apparatus: Fire trucks, fire engines, emergency vehicles, and firefighting equipment.

A bipartisan resolution directs the FTC to investigate potential anticompetitive practices in the fire apparatus manufacturing industry.

The post FTC Directed to Investigate Fire Truck Industry appeared first on Fire Apparatus: Fire trucks, fire engines, emergency vehicles, and firefighting equipment.