PORT ORCHARD – A brush fire broke out in the woods behind a South Kitsap residence Saturday afternoon.

Firefighters from South Kitsap Fire and Rescue, along with additional engines and brush units from Kitsap and Pierce Counties, responded to the 3000 block of Long Lake Road SE to find a growing brush fire over half an acre in size.

The fire was set back deep in the forest nearly a mile from the road.

Initial reports indicate a resident was performing a controlled burn of brush when the fire grew out of control, said Deputy Chief Guy Dalrymple, noting the fire marshal on the scene will make the final determination of the fire’s cause.

Such a practice is currently prohibited. The Kitsap County Fire Marshal implemented a Stage 1 burn ban on July 15 throughout unincorporated Kitsap County due to the recent warm, dry weather the area has experienced.

“There is a burn ban in effect — don’t burn, this is what can happen,” said Dalrymple. “The fire can get away from you and it’s dangerous.”

No one was injured in the blaze, though it proved difficult to extinguish. The relative remoteness of the fire — accessible only by a dirt road up a steep hill — made conditions treacherous for firefighters, said Dalrymple. The call for the fire came in at around 12:15 p.m. and it was put out in about three hours.

Dalrymple wished to remind residents that hauling brush and debris to a yard waste facility is the safer way to clear your property, especially at this time of year.

“The preferred method of getting rid of yard debris is to have it hauled to the south dump,” said the deputy chief.

With plenty of sun and warm temperatures, and little precipitation in the forecast over the next couple of weeks, Kitsap residents should remain aware of the continued threat of brushfires.

“It’s that time of year where it’s getting dry and we’re seeing hot temperatures,” said South Kitsap Fire Chief Steve Wright. “I’m happy this one is out, but we still have a couple of months of summer left.”