Exploding Trees and Boulder's Olde Stage Fire

High winds knocked down a power line in north Boulder yesterday, sparking flames that could be seen miles away. A second fire, probably started by windblown sparks from the first, converged with the first fire to torch 1,400 acres of grassland, trees, and several homes.

While driving home last night, I could easily see the fire line moving up and out along a hill.

Firefighters detonated a tree that was burning from the inside out. Check out the video:



Full (and impressive!) coverage of the story is at Boulder's Daily Camera website. Coverage includes these tidbits:

• "Most ignored evacuation warnings: Although Boulder County sheriff’s officials said they called more than 11,400 homes within a mile radius of the fire’s path — telling them to leave — sheriff’s Cmdr. Phil West said an assessment made Thursday indicated only 1,300 to 1,400 families actually evacuated overnight."
• "Llama rancher returns to burned home"
• Fire photo galleries
• Fire videos