Fire danger is expected to be especially high this summer — even in Western Washington. We are hoping you’ll do all you can to help us keep you, your property and your neighbors safe this fire season.

To prevent dangerous wildland fires that could spread through fields and forests to endanger homes, fire officials are working with local governments to limit ignition sources but also need your help.

We expect to see an emergency ban on sky lanterns, which, to an even greater degree than consumer fireworks, pose a serious threat. These flying devices deliver fire directly to rooftops, trees, cell towers and fields as far as a mile away from their launch point. Unfortunately, they’ve been responsible for many fires.

We also anticipate that there will be restrictions on outdoor burning in place for the rest of the summer. Under the most common outdoor burn ban, all fires are prohibited except camp or recreational fires. These fires are defined as less than 3 feet by 3 feet by 2 feet in a fire pit or other contained appliances, and consist of dry, seasoned firewood or charcoal only.

To check on the current status of the outdoor burn ban, see our web page at www.nkfr.org or call our automated outdoor burn information line at 360-297-4888.

Finally, we hope you’ll choose to leave fireworks to the professionals to avoid the fire and injury risk that comes with private displays.

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Monthly car-seat checks have been suspended until further notice. We’re sad to report that our volunteer car-seat technician is temporarily unable to staff our regular monthly seat checks. We expect to restart the program as soon as the tech is able.

Until then, if you need a seat checked, we can direct you to local resources where you can have that important task completed. Call us at 360-297-3619.

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Interested in a career in the fire service? We are recruiting folks who’d like to learn more about our well-respected volunteer-intern firefighter program.

Participants volunteer their time to get required training and gain valuable experience while serving alongside the paid members of our crews. These features of the program have been instrumental in helping more than 150 former members land paid careers in the emergency services.

To find out more, contact us at 360-297-3619.

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A public CPR and AED class is scheduled for 7-10 p.m. July 16 at the North Kitsap Fire & Rescue headquarters fire station on Miller Bay Road, Kingston. The cost is $20 per student, and reservations are required. Call 360-297-3619 to sign up.

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Our website — www.nkfr.org — is under renovation. Look for significant upgrades and other improvements to be unveiled later this summer.

From our families to yours, we are wishing you a safe and enjoyable Fourth of July!

— Michèle Laboda is public information officer for North Kitsap Fire & Rescue. Contact her at 360-297-3619 or visit www.nkfr.org.