COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo., November 24, 2008… U.S. Forest Service-Pikes Peak Ranger District Law Enforcement personnel believe two small wildfires earlier this month at the South Rampart Range Shooting Area were caused by "tracer" ammunition. They caution users that "tracer" ammunition is illegal to discharge on U.S. Forest Service lands and very dangerous.

While both wildfires were less than an acre, the situation could have been more severe. Witnesses observed the "tracer" ammunition being fired prior to both wildfires and also reported that the shooters fled the scene upon ignition. Other shooters at the range took it upon themselves to begin extinguishing the fires. Because this area of El Paso County is so remote, it can take firefighting personnel up to one hour to respond.

According to U.S. Forest Service Law Enforcement Officer Tom Healy, "The use of "tracer" ammunition at South Rampart Range Shooting area is a new development and a hazardous one. Their use is illegal and the potential for wildfires is great in the dry oak brush." He added that personnel are patrolling the shooting area. It is up to each individual to shoot safely and responsibly.

While legal to possess, in Colorado, "tracer" ammunition is illegal to discharge on U.S. Forest Service lands. Violators are subject to a fine of not more than $5,000 and fire suppression costs or, be issued an immediate citation for $525.

"Tracer" ammunition is typically used in rifles and has a military application. Conventional bullets have a small pyrotechnic charge added to the base that ignites so that the shooter is able to see where the bullets travel in low light or night situations. The pyrotechnic charge can continue burning while the bullet travels up to 900 yards which results in high potential for the ammunition starting wildfires.