HANSVILLE — Hot and dry weather can quickly change the level of fire danger — even when there’s been recent heavy rainfall — as illustrated by an afternoon brush fire near Hansville, April 21.

Nearly a half-acre was burned after controlled fires, being used to dispose of natural vegetation debris on the property, spread, North Kitsap Fire & Rescue spokeswoman Michele Laboda reported. Nine firefighters spent three hours and 4,500 gallons of water to thoroughly douse remaining hot spots.

NKF&R crews were called to Pegasus Lane, about 2.5 miles south of Hansville and off of Hansville Road, at 12:50 p.m. after a member of the public became concerned about smoke and flames coming from a property and called 911. Firefighters arrived on the scene to find at least two large piles ablaze with no one watching the fires.

“Smoke was issuing from the ground across a wide expanse. Two homes on adjacent parcels as well as forested land could easily have been threatened by the spreading fires,” Laboda reported.

Crews eventually located one of the owners inside a home on the property; another returned home while crews were on scene working.

Firefighters explained some of the outdoor burning rules to the couple:

— Permits, available free of charge at any staffed fire station, are required for all outdoor fires over 3 feet in diameter.

— All fires must be attended at all times.

— A means of extinguishing the fire must be available on site.

— Only one pile at a time can be burned.

— Only natural vegetation, dry and seasoned wood, or charcoal can be burned.

“Although the region received record rainfall this spring, conditions can shift rapidly with a few days of high temperatures and low humidity as we experienced this week,” Laboda reported. “In an effort to limit the risk posed by outdoor burning, officials urge the public to follow the rules and pay close attention to conditions.”

No structures were damaged and there were no injuries to firefighters or civilians, Laboda reported.

Nearly a half-acre was burned after controlled fires, being used to dispose of natural vegetation debris on the property, spread, April 21 in Hansville. Photo: Michele Laboda / North Kitsap Fire & Rescue