Due to rising fire danger, the Kitsap County fire marshal is imposing a ban on most outdoor burning starting at 12:01 a.m. June 26.

Under the Phase I Fire Danger Burn Ban, all outdoor burning permits are suspended until further notice, and all burning is prohibited except for recreational or cooking fires in approved devices and locations.

Local fire districts have seen recent increases in wildland fire responses, and an early start to the wildland season throughout the West has already put pressure on regional resources. Unusually hot weather is forecast for this weekend. Higher than normal temperatures are likely to continue and lower than normal amounts of rain are predicted over the next two weeks, worsening fire risk in a landscape that’s already dry. Escaped outdoor fires are the leading cause of wildland fires, sparking nearly 85% of all vegetation blazes.

“We’re asking the public to be aware of the sharp increase in fire danger and work with us to prevent dangerous wildland fires from outdoor burning as well as other causes,” fire marshal David Lynam said.

A more stringent Phase 2 Fire Danger Burn Ban may be imposed if conditions continue to deteriorate.

For more contact the fire marshal’s office at 360-337-5777.