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Authorities: Yosemite wildfire caused by sparks from vehicle

Authorities identify source of the so-called Dog Fire inside Yosemite National Park.

By Heather Records

MARIPOSA COUNTY, Calif., Oct. 10 (UPI) -- Yosemite National Park officials said Thursday they believe they know the cause of the deadly Dog Rock Fire. According to authorities, hot metal fragments are said to be the cause.

The exact source was unclear, but it's believed to be metal fragments from a dragging chain, or brake parts that heated up.

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The fire turned deadly Tuesday when an air tanker pilot crashed in the woods shortly after the fire started.

The pilot who died in the fire was identified as Geoffrey "Craig" Hunt, 62.

As a result of the crash, Cal Fire temporarily grounded the majority of its air tanker fleet.

The fire is burning over 245 acres and only 10 percent contained.

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