Forests are experiencing an increase in drying trends

PHOENIX (AP) — Recreational shooting is being temporarily prohibited in three national forests in Arizona in a move that officials say is aimed at reducing the wildfire threat.

The Southwestern Region of the U.S. Forest Service ordered the prohibitions in the Coronado, Prescott and Tonto national forests to begin at 5 p.m. Wednesday and to continue until July 31 or until rescinded.

Officials said the three forests are experiencing an increase in drying trends with large amounts of grass that could be fuel for fires resulting from above-average winter moisture.

According to the Forest Service, the three forests have a history of fires related to shooting and that hundreds of acres have burned in the last two weeks due to fires likely caused by recreational shooting.

The agency already prohibits use of tracer and incendiary grounds on national forests across the country and the region also prohibits exploding targets and fireworks.

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