Phase 1 Outdoor Burn Ban is in Effect
The ban on Outdoor Burning will Begin
Wednesday,
July 9, 8:00 AM
The Kitsap County Fire Marshal, in conjunction with the Kitsap County Fire Chiefs' Association, announced today that a Phase I Outdoor Burning Ban shall be in effect throughout all of Kitsap County beginning at 8:00 a.m. on Wednesday, July 9. Local fire danger is projected to increase dramatically over the next week. Officials are imposing the ban in an effort to limit the most common cause of wildfires – outdoor burning – and urge the public to exercise extreme caution with all ignition sources.
Under a Phase I Outdoor Burning Ban, outdoor burning permits are temporarily suspended and no outdoor burning is allowed except for recreational or cooking in fires in developed fire pits or portable outdoor fireplaces.
A "recreational" fire is defined as follows:
- Solely for recreational or cooking purposes.
- Built in a designated fire pit space.
- No larger than three feet in diameter.
- Containing seasoned firewood or charcoal briquettes only.
- Located in a space well clear of vegetation and at least 25 feet from buildings, fences, or anything that might burn.
- Attended at all times by an alert adult with immediate access to a shovel and a water source.
Officials hope that the coming burn ban will limit potential incidents in Kitsap County. The ban will remain in place until significant and sustained rainfall improves conditions.
For more information on outdoor burning and local restrictions, contact your local fire agency. Violation of a ban on outdoor burning may subject property owners and responsible parties to citations and civil penalties including the cost of fire suppression.
