Something commonly used at gun ranges, exploding targets, will soon be forbidden in parts of the country.

FOX News Radio's Pam Puso reports:

The U.S. Forest Service is banning the use of exploding targets in five Western states.

(Walsh) "You don't want to have on your conscience starting a huge forest fire."

U.S. Attorney John Walsh says the targets that explode when hit by a bullet are responsible for at least 16 wildfires since 2012 in eight states. And he says the results could be catastrophic.

(Walsh) "Once it gets going... ends up burning houses, burning businesses."

The ban will impact all forests in the Rocky Mountain Region including Colorado, Wyoming, Kansas, Nebraska and South Dakota.

Violators could face jail time and a fine.

Pam Puso, FOX News Radio.