On Thursday, Bureau of Land Management Fire Investigators determined the causes of both the Duck Hill and Chimney 2 wildfires was target shooting.
The Duck Hill fire started at approximately 11:40 a.m. at Duck Hill in Washoe Valley and the Chimney 2 fire started at approximately 12:40 p.m., north of Sun Valley.
In addition, BLM is requesting any information about the person(s) responsible for starting the Duck Hill Fire who fled the scene and didn’t report the fire to 911. 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.
“Though the weather has turned cooler and the days have shortened, the fire hazard has not improved, said Ryan Elliot, BLM Lead Fire Investigator. “Fuels on the rangelands are the driest on record for this time of year. Any ignition source is capable of causing a fire.”
Fire restrictions are currently in place and people recreating on public lands should exercise care to prevent fires from occurring. In prior years, shooting activities and off-road vehicle use has accounted for the highest number of human caused fires in September and October.