PINETOP, Ariz. (AP) - Authorities are investigating what they believe was an arson fire in the forest outside Pinetop.
Navajo County sheriff’s Chief Deputy Jim Molesa says someone riding an all-terrain vehicle set four small fires close together, which covered about an acre.
Firefighters from the Timber Mesa Fire and Medical District responded Sunday but briefly retreated when they heard two gunshots.
Molesa says the gunshots were unrelated to the fire but were disconcerting for firefighters.
The fire was on the Fort Apache Reservation.
County, tribal and federal officials are investigating the exact cause. No suspects have been identified.
Authorities are asking anyone who was in the area at the time to report any suspicious activity.
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