Dulzura Wildfire 100% Contained, Allegedly Caused By Target Shooting

DULZURA, CA — The 61-acre Border 18 Fire near the East County community of Dulzura in Marron Valley was 100% contained Sunday, and authorities said the cause was determined to be target shooting.

The blaze began shortly after 2 p.m. Saturday along Marron Valley Road not far from the U.S.-Mexico border. A second-alarm response and additional air tankers were requested by the incident commander within the first hour. Within about 90 minutes, the fire had grown to 61 acres, Cal Fire said.

The fire was declared fully contained shortly after 1 p.m. Sunday, 23 hours after it started, according to Cal Fire.

Air tankers, bulldozers, engines, trucks, water tenders and hand crews from throughout the region responded to the fire.

Two injuries were reported from the scene. An ambulance was called to respond to someone with a scorpion sting and another with a knee injury, according to radio traffic.

"When recreational target shooting, please take steps to reduce the risk of starting a wildfire," Cal Fire said.

The agency said safety tips include shooting in areas free of dry vegetation, avoiding shooting on hot, windy days and using paper targets or clay pigeons since steel targets and rocks can spark fires.
Cal Fire also recommends keeping a shovel, fire extinguisher and extra water on hand in case a fire starts.

More fire safety tips can be found at readyforwildfire.org.

— City News Service