PAYSON, AZ (CBS5) -
Authorities in Arizona and Utah are taking a closer look at state laws involving random and recreational shooting during wildfire season.
A number of random shootings are to blame for wildfires in both states, officials said.
The Sunflower Fire near Payson has ripped through nearly 18,000 acres at a cost of $6 million.
Tonto National Forest officials said the wildfire started during an outdoor bachelor party.
According to court records, five guys in the their 20s thought it would be a great idea to do some shooting.
"All it takes is one bullet to cause a spark, skipping off a rock or some hot lead starts some grass or dry weeds smoldering," said David Albo with Tonto National Forest. "One gust of wind and you've got a fire off and running."
CBS5 News has learned the Sunflower Fire may have started when someone in the bachelor party used a special type of ammo known as Dragon's Breath.
Authorities said that one of the men on that bachelor party campout fired a round into the forest, starting the massive wildfire.
Craig Shiflet, 23, of Mesa now faces an assortment of federal charges, including firing incendiary ammunition on national forest land.
Albo said that fires caused by weapons has become an increasing problem in Arizona.
In 2010, seven fires were caused by firearms in the Tonto National Forest.
In 2011, there were 10.
And so far in 2012, there have been five.
During fire restriction season, recreational and target shooting are not allowed on federal forest land, Albo said.
Special ammo like Dragon's Breath is never allowed.
The governor of Utah is calling for a more widespread ban on random shooting in the state.
Copyright 2012 KPHO (Meredith Corporation). All rights reserved.
