Fire Safe Target Shooting
Approximately 95 percent of all wildfires in California are caused by human activity. Target shooting is one of those causes. CAL FIRE’s “One Less Spark” campaign offers these tips to avoid target shooting resulting in a wildfire.
- Place targets on dirt or gravel. Shoot in areas free of dry vegetation, and avoid shooting on hot windy days. Bullet fragments can be extremely hot and can easily start a fire.
- Use safe targets. Shooting at steel targets or rocks may throw sparks into nearby vegetation. Use paper targets or clay pigeons.
- Ammunition type matters. Steel Core and solid copper ammunition have the highest potential to start fires. Lead core bullets are less likely to ignite surrounding vegetation.
- Exploding targets. Exploding targets can be highly destructive.
- Incendiary or tracer ammunition. Ammunition that “burns” can easily ignite vegetation and should not be used in flammable areas.
- Bring a shovel and a fire extinguisher. Keep a shovel, fire extinguisher, and extra water on hand in case a fire does start.
- Report all fires: Call 9-1-1. Report location, what is burning, how fast it is moving, how tall the flames are, and what is in danger. Stay on the phone.
