Gun range fire blamed on improper use of incendiary rounds, owner says

INDIAN RIVER COUNTY — The owner of an indoor gun range that caught fire Monday morning blames it on customers improperly firing incendiary tracer rounds, he said.

Owner Bill Rollinger compared the rounds to miniature flares that he prohibits from the range in the 4100 block of U.S. 1, in Gifford.

No one was injured and no ammunition was in the range as firefighters entered at the Indian River Sportsman, said Assistant Fire Chief Brian Burkeen.

More: Fire closes Walmart for several hours in Indian River County

One southbound lane of U.S. 1 was closed as a precaution while firefighters were there. That slowed traffic.

The state Fire Marshal's Office was asked to investigate the cause.

Firefighters used breathing equipment because of fumes coming from the burning of rubber used to absorb the impact of bullets.

More: St. Lucie County apartment fire displaces family

Someone in a nearby building first noticed smoke coming out the back of the building and called firefighters at 11:23 a.m. When crews went in, they found "heavy smoke and flames" inside, Burkeen said.

It appeared that most of the fire was in the ceiling and attic of the one-story firing range that was severely damaged.

Rollinger congratulated the firefighters' quick response. "Without them, it could have been a whole lot different," he said Monday afternoon.