TUCSON — Forest Service Fire Investigators and law enforcement announced they have located and questioned the man suspected of starting the Molino 2 fire.
Officials said the public assisted in the location of the man whose name has not yet been released, after the Forest Service asked for assistance and released video and photos of the suspect.
The case has now been referred to the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
The fire started Sunday, April 30, and resulted in the closure of the Catalina Highway in the Santa Catalina Ranger District, Coronado National Forest.
Video showed the fire appeared to start after a 50- to 60-year-old man fired incendiary ammunition from a shotgun at a target, causing sparks to ignite the surrounding brush.
Using incendiary bullets and starting a wildfire are violations of 36 CFR 261.5 (b,c) punishable by up to six months in jail and/or $5,000. These violations are considered Class B misdemeanors. In addition to the fine, some of the cost may be recovered through restitution.
