Target Shooting Leads to Large Weber Canyon Weekend Fire

The Department of Natural Resources and fire investigators will continue to look over the scene.

Weekend shooting is likely the cause of brush fire.

The Benton County Sheriff's Department responded to a large brush fire Saturday near Weber Canyon and County Well Road. Benton County Fire District 2 also responded.

Deputies say the initial investigation indicates it was likely caused by some people who were target shooting on land belonging to the Bureau of Land Management.

   Very dry conditions only require a spark

With fire danger high, it doesn't take a lot to cause a blaze. A bullet ricochets, spark etc, can trigger one. You may recall the recent brush fire off SR 397 where a property owner mowing a field hit some rocks with the blades, the sparks set off a 3-4 acres blaze.

Fire crews were able to suppress and put out the blaze.

Get our free mobile app

According to KEPR-TV, the individuals who were shooting had to leave the area to get cell service so they could call 9-1-1-, then they returned to wait for authorities.

The investigation continues.