A stage two burn ban be put in place at 8 a.m. Friday, August 17, for all of Kitsap County.

During a stage two burn ban, no outdoor fires of any kind are allowed. This includes recreational fires as well as the use of backyard fire kettles, chimneys or fire pits, according to a county press release.

“Elevated temperatures for extended periods, and our lack of precipitation has created a high fire danger in Kitsap County, and across the region,” David Lynam, the county’s fire marshal, said. “Light fuels including grass, dead brush, leaves and pine needles are extremely dry and susceptible to ignition from any type of spark. Even residential fires can ignite light fuels which readily spread to heavier items. Conditions are just too dangerous to continue any outdoor burning – and resources to respond to a fire if one breaks out are very limited.”

On Thursday, North Kitsap Fire & Rescue stated that state officials have expanded the area of extreme fire danger to include Kitsap County.

No major change in weather conditions are forecasted, and conditions are expected to remain tinder-dry. County fire districts and departments are regularly responding to small fire incidents daily – all with the potential of spreading to a major incident, according to the county.