On Wednesday, Kitsap County Fire Marshal David Lynam announced that a Stage 1 burn ban will be in effect starting Thursday at 8 a.m.

Under a Stage 1 burn ban, all outdoor burning is prohibited except for small recreational fires in approved fire pits and appliances, or as allowed in established playgrounds, according to a county press release. The ban will remain in place until further notice.

“The cooler and wet weather delayed implementation of a ban for several weeks this year,” Lynam said. “But, with the hot and dry weather we have recently experienced, fuels are thoroughly dried out.”

Lynam also pointed out the increase of fires in other parts of the state, which could possibly result in resources that might otherwise be available in Kitsap County to fight a wildfire.

For additional information, concerns, or questions, contact Lynam at 360-337-5777.