KITSAP COUNTY— Because of dry, warm conditions an outdoor burn ban will begin July 8. The Kitsap County Fire Chiefs’ Association, the Washington State Department of Natural Resources and the Kitsap County Fire Marshal’s Office will impose the ban at 8 a.m., according to a press release from Michele Laboda, spokesperson for North Kitsap Fire and Rescue.

The ban temporarily suspends outdoor burning permits and outdoor recreational burning. Cooking fires contained in barbecue units still are permitted.

A recreational fire is built in a fire pit space; is no larger than three feet in diameter; burns seasoned firewood or charcoal briquettes; is located in a space clear of vegetation and at least 25 feet away from buildings, fences or combustible material; and is attended by an adult with access to a shovel and water source at all times.

According to the press release, outdoor burning is the most common cause of wildland fires.

“The potential for dangerous fire spread is increasing as vegetation moisture content is decreasing due to a prolonged spell of warm and dry weather,” the press release states. “Local fire districts are already reporting well above average the number of brush fires. Although precipitation is in the forecast for this week, it will not be of sufficient volume or duration to replenish the moisture sapped from area vegetation during more than a month without rain.”

The ban will remain in effect until the dry conditions cease.

For more information, call the Poulsbo Fire Department and North Kitsap Fire and Rescue at (360) 297-4888.

This story has been updated to correct the phone number for NKFR.