Recreational shooters have been blamed for igniting two wildfires this week that burned more than 500 acres of public and private land in the Pawnee National Grassland.

The two fires both ignited on the west side of the grasslands, according to a U.S. Forest Service news release. The “Little Sand Fire” burned 560 acres and the “500 Fire” burned 29 acres. Citations are being issued to individuals for shooting at illegal targets and starting the fires.

Forest Service officials said conditions on the Pawnee are dry and they ask residents and visitors to exercise extra caution. Extra caution means knowing the rules, regulations and best practices of recreational shooting on the Pawnee National Grassland, including:

Be mindful that hot projectiles and sparks from ricochets can ignite fires in dry grassy and brushy areas.

Only shoot at cardboard and paper targets, self-healing targets, manufactured metallic targets or clay targets – no wooden backing allowed and leave the pumpkins at home. Violators can face fines up to $5,000 fine and imprisonment for up to six months for using an unapproved target.

Shoot further than 150 yards from a residence, building, campsite, developed recreation area or occupied area, including the Pawnee Bird Tour.

Do not shoot on or across a National Forest road or across a body of water.

Do not shoot in any manner or place where any person or property is exposed to injury or damage.

Do not drink alcoholic beverages while discharging a firearm.

No tracer rounds or incendiary rounds allowed.

Exploding targets are prohibited.

Clean up your targets and casings.

Be aware of livestock and other grassland visitors.

Respect all signs while visiting the Pawnee National Grassland.

Recreational shooting for 1/4 mile south of Weld County Road 96 and 1/4 mile west of Weld 63 is prohibited, as well as the Baker Draw Designated Shooting area.

The Baker Draw Designated Shooting area, located near the intersection of Weld roads 96 and 63, is a free site with berms providing 25-, 50- and 100-yard shooting opportunities. There is a parking area, informational kiosk, restrooms and 30 shooting lanes with 26 benches. Users must pack in and pack out their spent shells and targets.

Information is available online at www.fs.usda.gov/goto/arp/bakerdraw.

In addition to following safe shooting practices, residents are asked to keep their vehicles on the roads, as hot catalytic converters can start fires in tall grasses. Anyone who accidentally starts a fire is asked to stay in the area, unless forced to leave for personal safety reasons.

Additional information is available online at www.fs.usda.gov/goto/arp/targetshooting.