Recreational Shooting Banned in Colorado Forests Due to Fire Risk

Dry conditions and heat waves prompt emergency restrictions on firearms use in national forests.

Apr. 1, 2026 at 9:52pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Officials have banned recreational target shooting in the Pike-San Isabel National Forests and the Cimarron and Comanche National Grasslands in Colorado due to elevated wildfire risk from dry fuel conditions and persistent fire weather patterns. The order went into effect on Wednesday and will run through August 1st.

Why it matters

The restrictions are in response to recent wind, dry conditions, and record-breaking heat that have heightened the danger of wildfires in the region. Discharging any firearms, air rifles, or gas guns is now prohibited in the affected national forest areas, with violations resulting in criminal penalties.

The details

The order covers the South Platte, South Park, and Pikes Peak ranger districts, which span several counties in central Colorado. An emergency Stage 1 fire restriction order was also issued on March 27th, further limiting activities that could spark fires. Violating the shooting ban is a Class B misdemeanor, with fines up to $5,000 for individuals and $10,000 for organizations, plus possible jail time.

  • The recreational shooting restrictions went into effect on Wednesday, April 1, 2026.
  • The order will remain in place through 11:59 a.m. on August 1, 2026.

The players

U.S. Forest Service

The federal agency that manages the national forests and grasslands where the shooting restrictions have been implemented.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

The U.S. Forest Service will continue to monitor conditions and may extend or modify the shooting restrictions depending on the fire risk in the coming months.

The takeaway

These emergency measures underscore the growing threat of wildfires in the western United States due to climate change, and the need for proactive steps to prevent human-caused ignitions during periods of extreme fire danger.