Not a light in the sky, this was 30 feet off the ground and we watched it for 20 minutes, it was covered up.

Leaving friends house I saw a bright orange glow in the distance.  A rainstorm left the sky clear, and the glow was obvious against the cloudless horizon.  As we drove toward that location, we slowed and witnessed a "craft" hovering above the treetops. It was silent, yet clearly rotating behind a veil of "orange brightness". 
Turning directly toward it, the headlights swooped through the treeline, and exposed a mist of sparkle. Shining through this mist, the headlights raked the glowing object. 
There was a sudden compression or jolt of air,(a soundless "poof" best describes it), and the craft slowly began to glide away across the treetops.  Glowing cinders, much like tossing a log into a burning barrel would emit, rained down as it moved.  Gliding approx. 30 yds, it took off at a 45 degree angle upward with such incredible speed that a second or two it mixed with stars.  It suddenly burst a bright blue and disappeared from the sky.  
Within minutes a Highway Patrol appeared behind us.  I believe he was also witness to the event. Taking our names, he informed us that we did not see anything, and let us drive off. 
Arriving home, a minimum of 15 patrol cars were seen entering and sealing access to the roads.  As we exited the car, stepping into the driveway felt much like squirming out of molasses. It was a wierdness that lasted until morning when disbelief set in. 
Revisiting the scene in daylight revealed nothing other than the strangeness of an empty horse pasture.
Witness indicates that the date of the event is approximate.  PD