Wildland firefighters have enough to worry about, but Thursday a tornado briefly touched down just south of the Weston Pass Fire, then while receding back into the cloud it moved directly over the fire.
Tornadoes are very rare in this part of the country. According to the National Weather Service office in Boulder, it was the 6th confirmed tornado in Park County since records began in 1950.
Chief Meteorologist/Climatologist for 11 News in Colorado Springs, said “No, this isn’t a firewhirl, it is a legit tornado produced by a thunderstorm that moved across the Weston Pass Fire.”
The Weston Pass Fire has burned about 13,000 acres 9 miles southwest of Fairplay, Colorado.
Thanks and a tip of the hat go out to Jason.
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The tornado touched down in the Papa division and flatten a one mile swath of trees where numerous fire fighter were working. One crew has video of trees falling around them
Wow. Cool story and pic! Had not heard about this. Very interesting! Thanks for the report.