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Molino 2 Fire near Tucson may have been started by exploding ammunition

Fire season is already under way, with a few minor blazes reported in the state so far this year, and investigators are looking for a person in one of them.

The Molino 2 Fire broke out in Coronado National Forest and briefly shut down the Catalina Highway near Tucson.

Earlier this year, state officials reminded Arizonans that most wildfires are caused by humans.

Investigators say that video footage shows a man at the scene firing what appeared to be exploding ammunition.

"Using those is a Class B misdemeanor, and it can be punishable up to six months in jail, or $5,000," said Starr Farrell, of Coronado National Forest.

And with this, since it did create the Molno 2 Fire, there can be cost recovery for restitution.

In 2018, a Border Patrol agent pleaded guilty to using an exploding target that caused the Sawmill Fire and was fined $8 million.

Ron Dungan was a senior field correspondent at KJZZ from 2020 to 2024.