An experimental remote-controlled aircraft crashed near Calhan, Colorado on October 30, igniting an 83-acre wildfire that forced evacuations and highlighted the growing fire risks posed by lithium battery-powered drones in wildfire-prone regions.
The 6-foot wingspan aircraft, operated by a commercial company conducting experimental aircraft testing in eastern El Paso County, crashed around 12:30 PM near Big Springs Road between Yoder and Calhan—approximately 35 miles east of Colorado Springs. The crash sparked a rapidly spreading wildland fire that moved toward multiple structures in the sparsely populated area.
According to the Tri-County Volunteer Fire Department, the experimental aircraft wasn’t from a hobbyist but rather a nearby company that conducts experimental aircraft testing. A spokesperson for the department explained that lithium batteries in the plane significantly intensified the fire, creating challenges for responding crews.
Multi-Agency Response Contains Fire Within Hour
The incident prompted mandatory evacuation orders for residents living on Big Springs Road, east of Calhan Highway, west of Lauppe Road, and north of Highway 94. Multiple fire departments responded from across Southern Colorado, including units from Ellicott, Tri-County, Limon, Calhan, Simla, Falcon, Cimmaron Hills, Hanover, and Fountain…