Target-shooter charged with sparking $40-million Calif. wildfire
Target-shooter charged with sparking $40-million Calif. wildfire
12 September 2008
published by www.canada.com
California, USA — Criminal charges have been filed against a man who allegedly admitted starting a wildfire that charred 14,000 hectares, destroyed 30 homes and cost close to $40 million to fight.
Davin Craig Mosher, 29, told investigators he was target-shooting legally July 25 along the Merced River. One of the steel-jacketed bullets he fired hit a rock and sparked flames that spread rapidly through dry grass and exploded into fire.
Although steel-jacketed ammunition is plentiful and legal, some shooting ranges have banned it because of the fire hazard.
Mosher is accused of careless or negligent conduct and possession of unregistered rifles.
