Central Kitsap Fire and Rescue crews responded to a brush fire near Kaster Drive NE and NE Winters Road at 7:53 p.m. on Monday.

The fire was approximately a half acre in size and was contained by about 9 p.m., according to CKFR Public Information Officer Ileana LiMarzi. Crews were subsequently called back, though, at around 2:15 p.m. Tuesday afternoon after reports that smoke could be seen in the area. Firefighters worked to contain the blaze a second time after it had grown to approximately 50 feet by 120 feet in size.

“Crews found that the fire had flared up from deep in the roots where it had been smoldering,” LiMarzi said.

LiMarzi also said that a 15 year old boy came forward at about 9:15 p.m. Monday night and admitted that he had a campfire going in the woods with his friends on Saturday. LiMarzi said the boy and his friends thought that they had fully extinguished it before leaving the area.

“Please remember that at this time we are still under a Phase 2 Burn Ban and there is no outdoor burning allowed,” LiMarzi emphasized. “A thrown cigarette, small campfire or fireworks can all have devastating results when our land is as dry as it is right now.”

LiMarzi said that no structures were threatened during the brushfire Monday night.

Units from the Bremerton Fire Department, Poulsbo Fire Department and the North Kitsap Fire Department also responded to the blaze.

“Central Kitsap Fire and Rescue would like to extend a thank you to Steven Raymond, grandson of a nearby resident, for allowing firefighters to load hose line onto his ATV and driving it into the woods for them,” LiMarzi added. “We appreciate the assistance!”