Authorities blamed firing maneuvers at a gun range in the Edgewood area of Aberdeen Proving Ground for a fire that started about 3:15 p.m. yesterday.

Gary Holloway, a proving ground spokesman, said the fire involved between 50 and 75 acres of grassland and fields. No buildings were threatened.

He said the installation's fire company responded to the blaze, which was declared under control at 8: 20 p.m.

Proving ground officials said it was the fourth range fire in the past 10 days and said dry conditions and wetland plants that burned contributed to billowy smoke seen in neighboring communities.

Pub Date: 7/22/98