Illegal Shooting Leads To 124-Acre Fire

The following news release was issued Tuesday by Cal Fire/Riverside County Fire Department following a 124-acre brush fire that investigators determined was caused by illegal shooting:

CAL FIRE/Riverside County Fire Department would like to remind residents and visitors about the increased fire danger this year and asks everyone to take extra precautions to be fire safe.  

“With below-average rainfall this season and last season paired with above normal temperatures, the vegetation has had an early start in drying out and increasing the threat of wildland fires,” said CAL FIRE/Riverside County Fire Chief John R. Hawkins.  “There are many, many recreational activities that we have available to us here and I ask that all residents and visitors practice extreme caution ... . Everyone must do their part in preventing wildland fires.”  

Consider the following:  

• Recreational shooting causes fires. [Saturday], a 124-acre wildland fire in Reche Canyon, north of Moreno Valley was determined by CAL FIRE Investigators to have been started by illegal shooting. Please call the Arson/Tip Hotline at 800-633-2836 to report information about shooters in the area on May 25, 2013.
• Proper and safe use of motorized equipment; whether clearing dry brush or motorcycle riding can spark a fast-moving wildland fire; threatening lives and property.
• Use of fireworks. They are dangerous, cause injuries and start fires. Fireworks should be left to the professionals and are illegal in Riverside County. 

Information and fact sheets these and other safety topics, including “hardening” your home against wildfires can be found by visiting our website at www.rvcfire.org and also the www.readyforwildfire.org website.