Fire department says Big Springs Fire was caused by large remote-controlled airplane
By Celeste Springer, Mackenzie Stafford, Marina Garcia
Click here for updates on this story
EL PASO COUNTY, Colo. (KRDO) — 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.
The El Paso County Sheriff’s Office (EPSO) briefly issued evacuation orders for homes near the fire, which started near 31400 Big Springs Rd.
Residents say they are thankful the flames didn’t take down their homes.
“I just bought this house this year. I don’t know what I would have done,” said Whitmarsh.
But one neighbor, who didn’t want us to share her name, says the flights are constant, loud, and frequently spook her horses.
The El Paso County Sheriff’s Office says the fire was about 80 acres in size. EPSO says they believe the crash was neither deliberate nor reckless; they do not plan to pursue criminal charges.
This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate partner and does not contain original CNN reporting.
Please note: This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.