A temporary shooting ban will take effect this weekend for the Wenas Wildlife Area.

Signs indicating the ban went up Tuesday. Practice shooting will only be allowed from sunrise to 11 A.M..

The change comes in response to concerns about wildfires. Shooters near Ellensburg accidentally sparked a fire last weekend.

The Department of Fish and Wildlife held held two public meetings last month to address shooters who use inappropriate targets.

"Over the last number of years we've had some issues with target shooting and safety associated with that, as well as fires that have started from target shooting in the area," said Wenas Wildlife Area Manager Cindi Confer-Morris.

The ban will last until the end of September.

Wildlife officials want to find a permanent solution in the meantime - they're considering restricting shooting to certain areas.

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