Burn ban in effect

The Washington Department of Natural Resources (DNR), local county fire marshals, fire departments and fire districts have implemented burn restrictions and increased the fire danger rating to High for Kitsap County and other neighboring counties. The burn ban went into effect at midnight.

The restriction applies to forest debris and silvicultural burning, land clearing and yard debris burning on all private and state-owned land protected by DNR. The restrictions do not apply to federal forests or national parks, but these jurisdictions may have similar restrictions in effect.

The size and location of recreational campfires in Kitsap County also are restricted. If located on private land, campfires are permitted with the landowner’s permission and if built in an “approved” manner. The fires must follow certain guidelines:

• Campfires must be built in a metal or concrete fire pit like those found at designated campgrounds.

• Fires can grow no larger than three feet across.

• They must be located in a clear spot free from any vegetation for at least 10 feet in a horizontal direction, including a 20-foot vertical clearance from overhanging branches.

• Campfires must be attended to by an alert individual at all times. He or she must have immediate access to a shovel and either five gallons of water or a connected and charged water hose.

For more information on Kitsap County fire restrictions call 1-800-323-BURN or call (360) 447-3555 for information about Central Kitsap restrictions. Track the changing fire danger ratings online at the DNR’s “Fire Danger in Your County” Web site at www2.wadnr.gov/burn-risk.

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