MOUNT BAKER, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – Target shooting has been temporarily banned within the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest.

The U.S. Forest Service announced the ban on Saturday, Aug. 15, citing very high fire danger, dry forest conditions and severe regional resource constraints.

Shooting remains allowed for hunters with valid state licenses.

The ban was partly prompted by the Washington state Department of Natural Resources’ confirmation on Friday that the Prairie Mountain Fire near Darrington was sparked by recreational target shooting.

According to the Forest Service, suppression costs for that single fire have already surpassed $3 million.

This latest ban comes in addition to an ongoing campfire ban in the forest, which includes charcoal or briquette fires, pellet fires and any other open flames.

Pressurized liquid or gas stoves with a shut-off valve are both still allowed in areas far from flammable vegetation.