The fire-induced tornado developed within the Deer Creek Fire just after 1 p.m. MT on Saturday, July 12, according to the National Weather Service (NWS). The "firenado," which was given an EF-2 rating, lasted for about 12 minutes. Tornados ranked as an EF-2 are deemed "significant" and exhibit a wind speed of 111-136 miles per hour.

The Deer Creek fire that started near Old La Sal July 10 grew to 14,760 acres on Tuesday, July 15 and remained at 7% containment.

At just over 12,900 acres, the fire is bigger than all the other western slope fires combined and is one of several fires that prompted Colorado Gov. Jared Polis to issue a disaster declaration on Sunday.