The nearly one acre fire on the Escape Route between Kenai and Nikiski yesterday was caused by a shooting target.
Division of Forestry Public Information Officer Andy Alexandrou said the man who caused the fire also reported it.
Alexandrou:“A type of target that once the bullet strikes it, it will blow up and that was the cause of the fire. His marksmanship was very good and he hit his target and the target exploded, putting a little bit of fire onto the ground which constituted a call to 911. The man stayed there until fire resources arrived and admitted that he was responsible for the cause of the fire.”
Alexandrou said he was unsure if the man will be charged with anything or fined for the fire which included responses from Forestry, Kenai and Nikiski Fire Departments, and the Alaska State Troopers.
As we head into the weekend, Alexandrou said it is an important reminder for everyone to be extremely fire wise.
Alexandrou: “We do not have any burn suspension in place for the weekend as of now. It is dry and folks need to be careful, put your warming fire out, put your hot dog fire out, just use common sense and things will be fine.”
Weather is forecast to be mid 70’s to mid 80’s with Saturday predicted to see the hottest weather.
*Aerial photo Courtesy of Alaska Department of Natural Resources Facebook page*
