Target shooters probably started south Reno fire

Tuesday, June 8, 1999 | 6:53 a.m.

Neighbors heard gunfire in the area prior to the Brunswick Mill fire and investigators found substantial evidence of target shooting near the scene, said Steve Frady, spokesman for the Nevada Division of Forestry.

Authorities have not been able to determine a cause conclusively or whether the fire started deliberately or accidentally, Frady said.

The investigators found numerous spent shell casings from handguns, shotguns and rifles. They also found clay pigeons, cans and bottles that apparently had been used for targets, he said.

No one was hurt in the fire, which cost firefighters $50,000 to $60,000 to put out, Frady said. Inmate crews from as far away as Winnemucca 160 miles to the east were called in to help with the blaze.

"I was grateful they were here and put it out as quickly as they did. ... We're lucky," local homeowner Shelley Daniels said.

Investigators want to talk with a male and a female who were seen in the area prior to the fire in an older model Dodge pickup. The pickup is described as white with a red stripe.

They are not suspects at this time but investigators believe they might be able to answer some questions, Frady said.