cnn.com
Wildfire Caused by Illegal Shotgun Round
A New Jersey man is charged with arson after his illegal shotgun round ignited a wildfire that burned 350 acres.
English
United States
Us PoliticsEnvironmentSafetyArsonFireAmmunition
CnnOcean County Prosecutor’s OfficeNew Jersey Department Of Environmental ProtectionGiffords Law CenterNew Jersey Forest Fire Service
Richard ShashatyBradley D. BillhimerShawn M. LatouretteBarbara VentreJean Paul Bergeron
- What charges has Richard Shashaty been faced with?
- Richard Shashaty, 37, has been charged with arson and violating firearm regulations for a wildfire that burned 350 acres in Jackson Township, New Jersey.
- What kind of ammunition was used, and why is it illegal?
- Firing Dragon's Breath ammunition, an incendiary round that creates a burst of flame, is prohibited in New Jersey and several other states.
- What caused the wildfire in Jackson Township, New Jersey?
- The fire, dubbed the "Shotgun Fire," was started by magnesium shards from a Dragon's Breath 12-gauge shotgun round, which ignited combustibles at a rifle club.
- How many homes were affected by the wildfire, and what was the outcome?
- Fifteen homes were evacuated due to the wildfire, and 25 were threatened; thankfully, evacuees were able to return home after firefighters achieved 90% containment.
- What are the safety concerns and proper uses of the ammunition involved?
- Dragon's Breath ammunition, while used for entertainment and visual effects, should be handled with extreme caution in controlled settings due to its fire-starting potential; the incident highlights the dangers of using this ammunition in inappropriate areas.