Temporary shooting ban to be placed amid fire threats

OLYMPIA – The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife is placing a temporary statewide restriction on firearm use to fire-prevention rules already in place on state-managed lands.

The Department’s Lands Division Manager Cynthia Wilkerson says weeks of dry weather have increased the chances of wildfire on both sides of the Cascades mountain range. She says it’s critical for everyone to avoid doing anything that can damage or destroy fish and wildlife habitat.

KHQ-TV reported Gov. Jay Inslee declared a state of emergency earlier this week for wildfire threats across the state.

The temporary restriction begins Saturday.

Under the temporary rule, target shooting and other gun use will be prohibited.

Firearm use for legal hunting will still be permitted.