Target shooter cited after Tannerite blast sparks 20-acre Millican Road fire, C.O.’s third recent wildfire caused by target shooting
(Update: All evacuation levels dropped around Jackpine, Wickiup fires)
PRINEVILLE, Ore. (KTVZ) – A person who shot a pound of Tannerite explosive target compound on BLM land south of Prineville Saturday afternoon, sparking a fast-growing 20-acre wildfire, was cited by Crook County sheriff’s deputies for reckless burning and criminal mischief, an official said Tuesday -- the third recent wildfire traced to target shooting.
A ground and air attack stopped the fire burning off Millican Road on Prineville District Bureau of Land Management property.
BLM officials also confirmed Tuesday that two other recent, significant wildfires in the region also were caused by target shooters: the Jackpine Fire, which broke out July 19 south of La Pine, closed Highway 97 for hours and burned 180 acres, and the McCaffery Fire, which occurred July 6, closed Redmond Airport for a time and burned 458 acres before it was stopped.
Crook County 9-1-1 received the first reports shortly after 3 p.m. Saturday of a brush fire near milepost 6 on Millican Road, Lieutenant Mitch Madden said. Crook County Fire & Rescue and sheriff’s deputies responded and found the fire, which was quickly growing in size.
As Central Oregon Interagency Dispatch Center also sent air and ground crews, evacuation notices were given to dispersed campers in the area, Madden said.
Deputies interviewed several people found at the scene and were able to determine that a group of ATV/dirt bike riders had stopped and decided to shoot about a pound of Tannerite. Madden said the subsequent explosion set the brush on fire.
Tannerite is a binary explosive target used for target practice and long-range shooting. It's made up of two components, ammonium nitrate and aluminum power, that are mixed by the user before use. When hit by a high-speed bullet, it detonates, producing a loud explosion and cloud of smoke.
“It should be noted that Tannerite was prohibited from being used on BLM land at the time of the incident,” Madden added.
The individual who shot the Tannerite was identified and cited in lieu of custody on charges of reckless burning and criminal mischief. BLM law enforcement also was contacted for further criminal investigation.
The fire caused no injuries or structure damage, the lieutenant added.
Amid the recent very hot, dry weather and more than 100 fires burning across Oregon, several over 100,000 acres, Central Oregon public lands were placed in the top-level Industrial Fire Precaution IV, a “General Shutdown,” and the fire danger rating remains Extreme. Possessing, discharging or using any kind of firework or explosive is always prohibited on national forests and currently banned on BLM lands in the area.
Meanwhile; after consulting with fire managers, the Deschutes County Sheriff's Office on Tuesday dropped all evacuation levels around the Jackpine and Wickiup fires. They urged visitors to continue to use caution in the areas, as fire operations continue.
Regarding the Wickiup Fire, the dropped evacuation levels include the Haner Park area and the Deschutes National Forest between Forest Service Road 4262 and Forest Service Road 44, south of South Century Drive (FS 42) and Burgess Road (FS 43).
"Please be aware fire operations will continue in the area," the sheriff's office said. "Please use caution and abide by any road or area closures that may still be in place."
