King County issues Stage 2 burn ban in light of high temps

The following is a press release from the King County Department of Local Services:

King County Fire Marshal Chris Ricketts has issued a Stage 2 burn ban for unincorporated King County (areas outside city limits), which were already under a Stage 1 burn ban.

The ban goes into effect immediately and is extended into cities through coordination with the King County Fire Chiefs Association and Fire Marshals.

The forecast for the next few days calls for temperatures in the 90s for much of King County, where the fuel load in vegetation has been significantly increased by the dry summer and high temperatures. The winds that have created red flag warnings and an increase in recent brush fires warrant additional safety measures for our community—especially given that Washington has already stretched its wildfire fighting resources throughout the region.

During a Stage 2 burn ban, all outdoor fires, such as those in backyard fire pits or campfires that use chopped firewood or charcoal, are prohibited. Under the ban, any person with a recreational fire who fails to take immediate action to extinguish or otherwise discontinue such burning when ordered or notified to do so can be charged with a misdemeanor.

https://www.seattleweekly.com/news/king-county-issues-stage-2-burn-ban-in-light-of-high-temps-local-services/