Shooting ranges closed in Blue Mountains after close call with fire

SHOOTING — Target shooting has been closed on ranges in the Asotin Creek and Wooten wildlife areas of southeastern Washington after fire broke out in extremely dry conditions on Wednesday, state Fish and Wildlife Department officials say.

Bob Dice, Blue Mountains Wildlife Area Complex manager in Clarkston, said a small fire that got started, and fortunately contained, on the Asotin Creek range.

“Conditions are extremely dry now and until they improve with rain and cooler temps, those ranges are closed to public use and posted with signs to that effect,” confirmed Madonna Luers, department spokeswoman in Spokane.