REDMOND, Ore. — A brush fire sparked by an exploding target threatened homes west of Redmond on Sunday afternoon, prompting a large emergency response that included helicopters and air attack aircraft.
Redmond Fire & Rescue responded at approximately 2:30 p.m. on July 19 to reports of a rapidly spreading brush fire in the 10400 block of NW Oak Lane. Multiple callers reported trees catching fire as the blaze spread quickly to the south.
Based on the initial reports, the incident commander upgraded the response to a third alarm and requested additional firefighting resources, including aerial support.
When firefighters arrived, the fire was burning toward nearby residences. Crews immediately deployed hand lines to protect the threatened homes, successfully preventing any structures from being damaged or destroyed.
The fire grew to approximately five acres before firefighters gained control of its spread. Two helicopters and two single-engine air attack aircraft assisted ground crews by dropping water on the advancing flames.
An investigation determined the fire started when the property owner was using an exploding target during target shooting. According to investigators, the target detonated after being struck by a .223-caliber rifle round, igniting nearby vegetation and causing the fire to spread rapidly.
Fire officials reminded the public that while shooting on private property may be legal in some areas, individuals can still be held financially and legally responsible for fires that result from shooting activities.
The property owner was cited on charges of reckless endangering and reckless burning.
The incident remains under investigation.
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