VIDEO: The Tri-County Fire Department says Thursday’s fire near Yoder, which required the evacuation of homes, was caused by a remote-controlled airplane crash. According to the department, the remote-controlled airplane was not small in size; it had a wingspan of about 6 feet. The department added that it wasn’t from a hobbyist, but a company nearby that does experimental aircraft testing.
The crash and ensuing fire required a widespread response from fire departments across Southern Colorado, including from departments as far as Fountain and Monument.
The size of the fire can be attributed to lithium batteries in the plane, a spokesperson with the Tri-County Fire Department said. “In my backyard, pretty much– I just saw, like, smoke and flames, especially in the one back here,” said Kaitlyn Whitmarsh, a resident who lives nearby.
