POULSBO  — The Kitsap County Fire Chiefs’ Association and the Kitsap County Fire Marshal are ending the seasonal outdoor burn ban effective tonight at midnight.

Burning may resume subject to the normal rules and regulations beginning Saturday morning.

Because of the summer’s cool and wet weather, this year’s fire danger burn ban wasn’t implemented locally until Sept. 10 following an unusual stretch of hot and dry conditions in late August and early September that sapped moisture from area vegetation.

The past week’s precipitation and cooler temperatures have restored moisture to plants and trees, lowering the risk of brush and forest fires.  But officials continue to urge caution.

Permits — available free of charge at all staffed fire stations across the county — are required for many outdoor fires. For information on outdoor burning and local restrictions, contact North Kitsap Fire & Rescue, (360) 297-4888; or Poulsbo Fire Department, (360) 779-3997.