Free Republic

Firefighter Thomas Rogers recorded this video of a tumbleweed tornado that helps spread a controlled fire beyond what was originally intended. Taken at a wildlife refuge in Denver, Colorado, several fire teams were at hand to help control the blaze. "Prescribed burn of 150 acres at the Rocky Mountain Arsenal in Denver, CO. Participating agencies: USFWS, USFS, South Metro Fire, West Metro Fire, Denver Fire, Fairmount Fire. A dust devil formed and drew the prescribed fire into it. It crossed the line and burned about 1 additional acre."

Tumbleweeds overtake neighborhood and trap families in their homes Recent tornado-like winds have covered a Colorado Springs, Colorado neighborhood in tumbleweeds. The large dried plants have invaded the Cuchares Ranches subdivision to such a degree that some residents said they were trapped in their homes and had to call 911 for help. “I look outside and tumbleweeds are literally blowing up and over our house,” Melissa Walker told KRDO NewsChannel 13. “I didn’t expect to be able to jump from my second story window into a pile of tumbleweeds.” In some places, the tumbleweeds are stacked 10-feet high. As reported...