Gunfire sparks 60 acre fire near Firebaugh

FIREBAUGH, Calif. (KFSN) -- Firefighters have gained control of a wildfire near Firebaugh sparked by gunfire.

It was burning about four miles west of Interstate 5 at Panoche Road. The fire started around the corner from where we're at around 12:00 a.m.

Authorities say a group of people on a hill were seen shooting at targets in the grass and one of the bullets sparked the flames. When firefighters showed up, the wind was steadily fueling the fire.

They called in resources from Monterey and Merced County to help and it took about two hours to put out the fire.

There are no homes in the area and no one was injured.

Cal Fire says it is legal to shoot out in state land, but, right now, it's just not a good time.

"In the winter months, there's no danger of causing a fire," a Cal Fire official said. "But now the grass is dry, summer time is here. So there's a fire danger here."

The person who started the fire is the person who called for help and authorities say he could face a fine or a citation but that is up to law enforcement.