Dry weather prompts countywide burn ban

Local fireworks fans dodged the bullet last month, when the dry weather never materialized and the county did not impose a threatened fireworks ban. However, recent conditions have prompted the Kitsap County Fire Chiefs to impose a burn ban beginning this week.

“I’m surprised that it’s taken this long,” said Central Kitsap Fire and Rescue Assistant Chief Roy Lusk. “Usually we start earlier. But this year we’ve been very fortunate.”

The imposed burn ban qualifies as Phase 1, which means controlled campfires are still allowed. Under the more stringent Phase 2 ban, such fires are forbidden.

The ban extends throughout the county, even though conditions on Bainbridge Island may differ from those in Port Orchard.

Lusk said the ban would extend at least two weeks and would remain in effect until conditions significantly improve.

“We don’t want to start and stop the ban because this confuses the public,” he said, adding that the countywide ban also decreases confusion.

To report burn ban violations or nuisance fires, call 911. They will log the complaint and refer it to the appropriate fire agency for response.

The fire district or department will visit the site and determine if a violation has occurred. If a violation of state law has occurred, they will take the appropriate corrective actions.

This may include putting the fire out and referring the violation to the Clean Air Agency for issuance of a fine of up to

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