The Bureau of Land Management today said it is looking for a suspect who was witnessed shooting targets, activity that started yesterday’s Duck Hill Fire in Washoe Valley.
The agency also said that the Chimney 2 fire north of Sun Valley was started by target shooting.
“BLM is requesting any information about the person responsible for starting the Duck Hill Fire who fled the scene and did not report the fire to 911,” said Lisa Ross, agency spokesperson. “They were seen leaving the scene in a red side-by-side Utility Terrain Vehicle driving on Goni Road toward Carson City. If you have any information please call 775-885-6117.”
Research has shown that target shooting can cause fires, which prompted Washoe County commissioners to draft an ordinance in July that allowed target shooting bans during wildfire seasons.