EMMETT, Idaho (AP) — Firefighters expect a blaze near Emmett in southwestern Idaho will be controlled by 6 p.m. Saturday, with air and ground units making good progress on surrounding the Sand Hollow Fire.

The fire was mostly likely caused by somebody who shot a bullet at a steel target on Wednesday, casting sparks onto dry grass that spread quickly in the gusty desert winds.

About a square mile of sandy and steep terrain was charred, as crews from the cities of Emmett and Star, Gem County and the Bureau of Land Management tackled the flames.

Fire officials with the Bureau of Land Management said they were thankful 2009 has been a below average fire season, meaning the public land management agency had plenty of personnel to tackle the blaze before it did more damage.