[Amy Alonzo, Reno Gazette-Journal]
Target shooters likely started the massive Caldor Fire that devastated the Western Sierra and threatened South Lake Tahoe, according to investigators.
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Campers in the area that day later reported seeing two men in a side-by-side off-road vehicle pass their campsite, followed by the sound of gunshots.
Fire restrictions were in effect at the time on the El Dorado National Forest, but no target shooting restrictions were in place.
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U.S. Forest Service agents later determined that the fire originated near a swimming hole south of the Consumnes River. Near the fire’s point of origin, they located several bullet casings that appeared to have been recently expelled, as well as earplugs. DNA on the earplugs showed Travis Smith was a potential match, according to the documents.
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The defense also argues that the prosecution hasn’t shown how Travis and David Smith are responsible for starting the fire, citing a lack of opinion by an arson expert into how the fire started.
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According to the filings, “Investigators determined the Caldor Fire likely ignited when a projectile discharged from a firearm and struck an object, causing heated fragments of the projectile to land in a dry receptive fuel bed, igniting the fuels.”
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According to the court documents, Travis’ online activity shows an “interest in shooting firearms, burning fires, using incendiary ammunition and a general lack of concern for proper firearms safety when shooting.”
Photos and videos from February and March 2020 show him shooting incendiary rounds in areas surrounded by dry brush, including on his dad’s El Dorado County property.
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‘Safety was and is first and foremost’
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A status update will be held on the case Feb. 1.
Amy Alonzo covers the outdoors, recreation and environment for Nevada and Lake Tahoe. Reach her at aalonzo@gannett.com
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