REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) – A fast-moving brushfire that burned over 20 acres, threatened homes and prompted evacuations west of Redmond Sunday afternoon was sparked by a property owner who shot an exploding target – and was cited on two charges as a result, authorities said.

Redmond Fire & Rescue, quickly joined by crews from other agencies, responded around 2:30 p.m. to the reported brush fire in the 10400 block of NW Oak Lane, north of state Highway 126. Several callers reported trees catching on fire as the blaze spread rapidly to the south, Fire Marshal Tom Mooney said.

The incident commander quickly upgraded the call to a third alarm and requested more resources, including air support.

The fire was threatening nearby homes as the first crews arrived on the scene, quickly deploying hand lines in an effort to protect those homes, the fire marshal said in a news release Sunday evening.

Two helicopters and two single-engine air attack (SEAT) planes soon arrived on scene to help stop the fire’s spread.

Forward progress of the fire was stopped by late afternoon. No structures have been lost or damaged, Mooney said.

Authorities said the fire burned about five acres, a figure later updated to nearly 21 acres by the National Interagency Fire Center, according to Watch Duty.

Fire investigators determined that the property owner was shooting at an exploding target, which was hit by a .22 rifle round – and “when the target exploded, the fire quickly began,” Mooney said.

“The property owner has been cited for reckless endangering and reckless burning,” Mooney said, adding, “While shooting on your private property may not be restricted, you can be held liable for nay fires that start from shooting activities.

Most Level 3 (GO NOW!) and all Level 2 (Be Set) evacuation notices were lifted Sunday evening, after crews made progress on the blaze.

Around 7:45 p.m., the sheriff’s office said in an update that all evacuation levels had been lifted “and it is safe for residents to return home.” Public Information Officer Jason Carr said firefighters would continue patrolling and conducting mop-up operations. No structures were lost, he said, and the temporary shelters are being closed.

Earlier, evacuated residents were advised they could go to Highland Baptist Church for temporary shelter. The Deschutes County Fairgrounds also provided short-term horse sheltering.  The Pet Evacuation Team (PET) and Mustangs to The Rescue assising with animal evacuation and sheltering. 

Stay Informed:
• Deschutes Alerts: https://www.deschutes.org/alerts
• Central Oregon Fire Info: https://centraloregonfire.org
• Local government social media channels
• TV and radio updates
• Cell phone emergency alerts
• www.deschutes.org/emergency

"Only call 911 if you are experiencing an immediate life‑safety emergency," Carr said in a news release.

Earlier information:

Watch Duty, quoting incident command, said the first crews arrived to find a two-acre fire in juniper and sagebrush, burning toward the southwest and “fast-moving with structures threatened.” It grew to about three acres within minutes

Deschutes Alerts indicated a Level 3 (GO NOW!) evacuation north of Highway 126 to Kachina Avenue and the west end of Kingwood Avenue to 91^st Street on the east.

The alert also included:

Level 3 means GO NOW!:

There is extreme danger and you should evacuate now. If you choose to ignore this alert, know that public safety personnel may not be available to help you. Do not stop to gather your belongings or protect your home. Leave as fast as possible. Drive carefully. Turn on your headlights. Follow traffic safety warnings. Do not return to the area until public safety officials announce that it is safe. 

After you evacuate, continue to monitor local social media, TV, radio, your telephone devices and www.deschutes.org/emergency.

Do not call 911 unless you are experiencing an immediate life safety issue.

Minutes later, a Level 2 (BE SET) evacuation alert was issued:

Due to fire conditions the following area is at Level 2: west of 101st Street and south of Hwy. 126 to Eagle Crest Blvd.

Level 2 means BE SET: 

Be ready to evacuate at a moment’s notice. Find resources at www.deschutes.org/emergency. Monitor local social media, TV, radio, and telephone devices. Act early if there is any reason you might need extra time. Leave right away if you feel you are in immediate danger. 

If conditions change quickly, this may be the only alert you receive.

Do not call 911 unless you are experiencing an immediate life safety issue.

It's the second serious brushfire in the Redmond area in three days. The first occurred in the Dry Canyon area and also prompted evacuations, damaging an outbuilding and accessory dwelling.