Man Firing Shotgun Caused Ocean County Wildfire

A man was charged Saturday with arson after being found responsible for starting the Ocean County wildfire that burned over 350 acres, and threatened 25 structures, forcing the evacuation of 15 homes and three horse farms.

Ocean County Fire Started at Rifle Club

Officials say Richard Shashaty, 37, of Brick Township, was shooting a shotgun with illegal ammunition at the Central Jersey Rifle and Pistol Club on South Stump Tavern Road in Jackson on Wednesday, Nov 6th when he started the wildfire that spread and consumed some 350 acres across Ocean County.

The Rifle Club has been closed recently because of the high fire danger and no shooting is being allowed.

The Ocean County Prosecutor's Office says an investigation found that Shashaty used a shotgun with highly flammable ammo at the facility anyway.

...the origin of the fire was behind a berm in the Southwest corner of the Rifle Club, and the fire was caused by magnesium shards of a Dragons Breath 12 gauge shotgun round igniting available combustibles on the berm of the shooting range. The firing of this type of incendiary or tracer ammunition is prohibited in the State of New Jersey.

 

The Danger of Dragon's Breath Ammunition

"Dragon’s breath rounds primarily consist of magnesium pellets/shards," said Ocean County Prosecutor's Office spokesman Bryan Huntenburg.

"When the round is fired it produces spark and flames that can extend up to 100 feet. The pellets that are shot out ignite and burn at temperatures between 3,000 degrees to 4,000 degrees Fahrenheit."

According to the website of American Specialty Ammo, Dragon's Breath shells are commonly used to signal a shooter's location, to request help, or to simulate a flamethrower.

"410 Dragon Breath shoots a wall of fire and sparks straight from your barrel six rounds per pack. Fire hazard."

 

Suspect Jailed

Shashaty surrendered to Jackson Township Police on Saturday and is being held in the Ocean County Jail on charges of arson and violation of the regulatory provisions relating to firearms.

New Jersey remains under severe and extreme drought conditions.

State officials have banned all campfires and agricultural burning and are urging residents not to create sparks outdoors that could ignite fires.

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