The winds generated by high intensity fires also create a phenomena called vortex streets - eddies that are like little tornadoes that carry embers - many miles away from the fire, to start fires elsewhere.

Gale-force winds carried embers southward igniting dozens of wood-shingle roofs.

Some stray gust of wind might still carry burning embers into the town.

They're carrying fire and debris and embers and are throwing them all over the place.

The fire's spread was aided by the city's use of wood for building, a drought prior to the fire, and strong winds from the southwest that carried flying embers toward the heart of the city.

Winds gusting to 25 miles per hour carried embers to nearby rooftops, igniting new fires.

High winds carried red-hot embers across the river and ignited buildings on the north side of the structure.

"I've seen whirlwinds spouting out of the top of a fire, and a whirlwind can carry embers in just about any direction."

Wind can carry hot embers, it is recommended to draw a circle of safety.

The dry conditions and mostly wood buildings set the stage for a runaway conflagration, as a hot wind carried flaming embers to unburned areas which quickly caught fire.