Video Courtesy: MFC

MONROE COUNTY, Miss. (WJTV) – A wildfire burning in North Mississippi recently caused a “firenado.”

Officials with the Mississippi Forestry Commission (MFC) shared a video of the fire whirl, also known as a firenado, on social media. They said a wildfire in Monroe County caused the firenado.

A fire whirl is a large, spinning vortex of flames, heat and smoke. It’s created when a wildfire’s heat and wind create a vertical column of air that rises, twists and draws in oxygen.

Monroe County is currently under a burn ban due to the dry conditions in the state. Burn bans are restrictions on outdoor burning during drought or wildfire conditions.

The local sheriff’s department enforces burn bans, according to MFC officials. Any person who knowingly and willfully violates a burning ban is guilty of a misdemeanor.

MFC officials are calling on all residents to exercise caution and be fire aware amid the high temperatures and dry conditions.

To ensure the safety of all Mississippians, the MFC urges immediate reporting of any wildfires. If you spot a wildfire, please call 911.