Richard Shashaty, 37, was allegedly using illegal tracer ammunition at the Central Jersey Rifle Range on Stump Tavern Road around 12:15 p.m. Wednesday when he fired a round at a grass berm. Shards of magnesium touched off a fire that spread quickly on the parched ground, Ocean County Bradley D. Billhimer said.

As New Jersey continues to suffer its worst drought in 20 years, a Brick Township man is charged with starting the Shotgun Wildfire in Jackson, NJ.

A massive wildfire that scorched 350 acres in Jackson Township was ignited by an illegal shotgun round that authorities said was fired by a 37-year-old Brick Township man.Authorities charged Richard Shashaty,

Firefighters achieved 90% containment of the Shotgun Wildfire, a 350-acre blaze in the Colliers Mills Wildlife Management Area, by Friday

JACKSON - The wildfire that started Wednesday afternoon grew to 300 acres overnight, but is 40 percent contained as of Thursday morning, according to authorities.

Prosecutors have charged a man with arson in connection with a wildfire in Jackson Township​ that broke out on Wednesday and has burned 350 acres.

Authorities allege that Richard Shashaty of Brick Township started the fire at the Central Jersey Rifle Range on 6.