A remote-controlled aircraft suffered a fiery fate Sunday afternoon when it crashed in a field off Strohmayer Road near the community of Kansas City.

According to Forest Grove Fire & Rescue (FGF&R), fire crews were dispatched to a brush fire shortly after 2:40 p.m. on Sunday, August 11.

The Oregon Miniature Aircraft Squadron’s 2024 annual air show was held nearby.

According to FGF&R, callers to 911 reported that a remote-controlled aircraft had crashed and started a fire.

“When the fire brigade arrived a few minutes later, they found that the fire had largely been extinguished thanks to the quick intervention of passers-by and farmers,” said FGF&R.

Fire crews, with assistance from the Banks Fire District Fire Department, extinguished the remaining fires to prevent them from flaring up again.

About 30 meters of thorn bushes and grass burned, otherwise no material damage was caused.

“Unfortunately, the remote-controlled aircraft is a total loss and the owner estimates its value at around $15,000,” FGF&R said.

“Please exercise extreme caution when engaging in outdoor activities, simple tasks such as using a motorized garden tool (use only in the early morning) or towing a trailer (secure loose chains) can still cause fires,” FGF&R said.

Crews from the Cornelius Fire Department and Tualatin Valley Fire and Rescue were also dispatched to the scene, but their missions were canceled prior to their arrival.

Chas Hundley is editor of the Banks Post and sister publications Gales Creek Journal and Salmonberry Magazine. He grew up in Gales Creek and has a cat.