The sheriff says shooters should go to the Pyramid Range or an indoor range if they want to go shooting.

Target shooting is a very popular activity, especially near the Golden Eagle Regional Park, but recent issues, including fires, have come up due to the activity. 

Washoe County Sheriff Darin Balaam says a recent wildfire started due to the actions of some irresponsible target shooters.

The Sparks Police Department also recently launched an investigation after a local homeowner said a bullet went through one of their windows. 

Sheriff Balaam says that first responders will be keeping a close eye on some of the congested shooting areas.

He warns that the Sheriff's Office will be heavily enforcing violations in those areas. Violators will be punishable by citation or even arrest. 

With Golden Eagle Park being so close to new homes and sports parks, which have lots of children and families constantly moving through the area, Balaam highlights safe practices target shooters can take. 

"Go enjoy your shooting. I encourage it, but go where it's safe. If, for some reason, you want to go out into the desert, like many of us, take the proper equipment, a shovel, a fire extinguisher, plenty of water, and make sure whatever your backstop is, it's not rocks and cheatgrass," he said.

The sheriff says the office will have "zero tolerance," and that shooters must respect the 1,000-foot parameters for shotguns and 5,000-foot parameters for rifles or handguns. 

Balaam tells shooters that during this heat wave, he advises going to an indoor range, and that if you must go outdoors, make sure you bring the right equipment and always be aware of your surroundings. 

With three fires in the last month, Sheriff Balaam wants everybody to be responsible and do their part in keeping our environment and community safe. 

If you want to find out more information about safe target shooting practices, click here to be taken to the Sheriff's Office website.