Due to the risk of wildfires, the Carson Ranger District is banning all shooting until Sept. 30 or conditions change.

The Carson Ranger District encompasses more than 400,000 acres on the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest in Nevada (136,232 acres) and California (270,208 acres).

The extremely wet winter led to higher-than-normal grass growth. In addition, the current stretch of hot weather has increased the fire danger by drying the grasses and elevating the risk for human-caused fires.

In May and June, there were nine fires that has burned more than 500 acres (seven fires in Washoe and one in Church Hill counties in Nevada and one in Alpine County) that were human caused and currently under investigation where target shooting has become the focus as the cause: two on private lands; four on Nevada Bureau of Land Management lands; and three on Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest lands. The amount of shooting-related fires are above the average number for this time of year.

Violating the temporary shooting restriction is punishable by a fine up to $5,000 and/or six months in jail. In addition, anyone found responsible for starting a wildfire will be held civilly and criminally liable. 

To report illegal shooting, call 775.688.1331 or 775.688.1332.