Men Charged in Fire Ignited by Target Practice in Central Oregon

Reckless burning charges have been filed against five men whose target practice is believed to have ignited a 35-acre wildfire in Central Oregon.

Deschutes County sheriff’s Sgt. Vance Lawrence says the substance the men used in target shooting, Tannerite, is “expected to cause some kind of flash” when struck by bullets traveling at certain speeds. He told KTVZ “there’s no argument” it caused the blaze.

The men charged with the misdemeanor range in age from 25 to 32. Three are from Bend and two are from Redmond.

Lawrence says they cooperated with the investigation.

The Mayfield fire was reported Sunday afternoon and has been largely contained.