As of this writing, a stretch of hot August weather inspired the Kitsap County Fire Marshal to impose an outdoor burning ban on Aug. 16. Under the ban, all outdoor burning permits are suspended and all fires (except those in contained barbecue or campfire rings) are prohibited.

To check on the current status of the ban, see our website, www.nkfr.org; follow us on Facebook; or call our automated outdoor burn information line at 297-4888. And thanks in advance for doing your part to keep our region safe from the kind of devastating fires currently under way in Eastern Washington.

— 9/11 breakfast: Please join commissioners, firefighters and staff at NKF&R for our annual community breakfast Sept. 11, 7-10 a.m. It’s become our tradition to remember the many people lost on that terrible day 11 years ago by bringing neighbors together to strengthen community ties as well as to benefit organizations who are doing that work.

There is no charge for the meal, which will be hosted by the firefighters and includes continental items such as bagels, muffins, croissants, fresh fruit, yogurt, granola, cheeses and much more. But we will be accepting donations for the North Kitsap Schools Foundation (www.nkschoolsfoundation.org) in support of their efforts to restore enrichment and remediation programs that have been cut from local elementary schools due to budget constraints.

North Kitsap Schools Foundation says “strong schools = strong communities,” and we agree. We hope you’ll join us in memory of the 9/11 victims as well as in support of our schools.

— Michele Laboda is public information officer for North Kitsap Fire & Rescue.