The U.S. Forest Service has banned exploding targets in northern Idaho, Montana, North Dakota and portions of South Dakota due to wildfire and public safety concerns.
Northern Region Forester Faye Krueger announced Tuesday the regional closure that immediately prohibits exploding targets on national forest lands.
Some target shooters use the exploding targets because they contain chemical components that mix when struck by a bullet and create a fireball.
The Forest Service says exploding targets the past two years have started at least 16 wildfires in western states that cost $33 million to fight.
The order includes all 12 national forests and grasslands in the Northern Region.
The fine for using the banned targets is up to $5,000 and six months in jail.
