Brush fire started by Tannerite explosion

Brush fire caused by shooting Tannerite results in evacuation of campers and criminal citations.

According to a Crook County Sheriff’s Office report, the fire was reported on Sunday, July 18, in the area of Southwest Millican Road near milepost 6.

County deputies and Crook County Fire and Rescue (CCFR) personnel responded to the area. Deputies arrived on the scene and located the brush fire that was quickly growing in size. CCFR arrived on the scene along with resources from Central Oregon Interagency Dispatch Center (COIDC). Due to the quickly growing fire, evacuation notifications were given to the dispersed campers in the area.

Deputies located and interviewed several people on the scene. This led to deputies identifying how the fire was started. Deputies learned that a group of ATV/dirt bike riders had stopped and decided to shoot approximately 1 pound of Tannerite. The subsequent explosion of the Tannerite set the brush on fire. Authorities noted that Tannerite was prohibited from being used on BLM land at the time of the incident.

The individual who shot the Tannerite was identified and cited in lieu of custody on charges of reckless burning and criminal mischief. BLM law enforcement was also contacted for further criminal investigation.

No person or structures were injured or damaged in the blaze.