PORT ORCHARD — While summertime is considered playtime in the Pacific Northwest, it’s increasingly becoming a season here that’s fraught with lurking dangers.

Those dangers include tinder-dry forests and grasslands ripe for wildfires, and blazing temperatures that can inflict serious sunburns and sap one’s energy through extreme dehydration. And then there’s the danger of heat stroke, even in the normally temperate Puget Sound region.

The Puget Sound region — including Kitsap County — was blasted by an unprecedented stretch of hot temperatures last weekend that had residents scrambling to purchase every air conditioner in stock at local home improvement stores. Those who weren’t lucky enough to snatch one had to suffer through a Monday in which temperatures topping 110 degrees scorched westerly areas across Puget Sound.

Could this be the start of something big — as in big changes to our summer weather patterns — due to climate change long predicted by scientists? That issue has turned into a roiling political debate. Meanwhile, local government agencies have taken notice of these unusual weather changes, at least in the near term.

As a result of the hot, dry weather, the Kitsap County fire marshal and Port Orchard Police Department have issued warnings to residents who are planning to partake in outdoor activities — be cautious for your own safety and that of the community.

Consumer fireworks cause nearly 20,000 fires annually in the U.S., according to the National Fire Protection Association, and more than 9,000 emergency room visits in 2018. Last year, according to the Kitsap County Fire Chiefs Association, fireworks were the cause of 360 fires and 237 injuries in Washington state.

The county organization said the fire risks this year are far greater than usual due to continued warm and dry weather. A reminder: fireworks can only be set off from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. in unincorporated Kitsap County.

On June 26, the county’s Fire Marshal’s Office issued a Phase 1 fire danger burn ban on most outdoor burning in Kitsap County. All outdoor burning permits have been suspended until further notice and all burning is prohibited except for recreational or cooking fires in approved devices and locations.

Local fire districts, including South Kitsap Fire and Rescue, have seen recent increases in wildland fires. And an early start to the wildland season throughout the west has already put pressure on available regional resources, the fire marshal said.

SKFR Chief Jeff Faucett said his department has been on alert for calls that could indicate the area’s vulnerable population might be having difficulty dealing with the high temperatures, usually due to dehydration. Last Monday, Faucett said he was expecting increased activity due to the extreme weather. But to date, the medical assistance calls have been fairly normal, he said.

“This past weekend, although it was busy, we didn’t end up with anything of significance regarding the weather,” he said.

Faucett’s bigger concern, however, is the upcoming Fourth of July weekend.

“People don’t realize how dry it is,” he said. “The combination of a dry landscape, hot weather and fireworks is a big concern for us. But we’ll be ready.”

Meanwhile, the fire chief is advising residents to stay prepared as they cope with the dry, hot conditions.

“Stay inside, turn on your fans and keep hydrated.”

And here’s an option for those who enjoy the sizzle and sparkle of fireworks: watch the Port Orchard fireworks show on July 10 rather than spending your money on pyrotechnic displays for July 4. The popular annual event on Sinclair Inlet was postponed a week because of COVID-19 restrictions.

The lurking wildfire danger

Higher than normal temperatures are likely to continue and lesser than normal amounts of rain are predicted over the next few weeks, elevating the fire risk for a wooded landscape that’s already dry. Outdoor fires escaping their confines are the leading cause of wildland fires, sparking nearly 85% of all vegetation blazes.

“We’re asking the public to be aware of the sharp increase in fire danger and to work with us to prevent dangerous wildland fires from outdoor burning as well as other causes,” said Fire Marshal David Lynam.

A more stringent Phase 2 fire danger burn ban may be imposed if conditions continue to deteriorate, he said. It would not be lifted until there is a marked improvement in the wildfire risk across the region, accompanied by significant, sustained rainfall.

Lynam said this fire ban and others imposed due to fire danger are not in the same category as air quality burn bans implemented by the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency.

Another danger that outdoor adventurers: not being prepared for possible accidents while boating on this area’s waterways. For those heading out for a day on the water, the Port Orchard Police Department is urging people to remain cautious and vigilant — and is asking them to always wear a lifejacket.

Even though the air is warm, water in rivers and lakes remains cold from snowmelt runoff, Chief Matt Brown said. He added that most river and creek water temperatures range from the upper 30s to the mid-40s, chilly enough to easily cause cold water shock for the unprepared.

The police department said that Washington state ranked in the top five out of 50 states in boating fatalities. According to Washington State Parks Boating Program data, four people have died so far in boating-related accidents and two people are missing — five of which occurred in the last week. Two of the fatal accidents were on stand-up paddleboards.

Kayaks, canoes and paddleboards are the most vulnerable to capsizing. Sudden immersion in cold water makes it difficult, if not impossible, for people to keep their heads above water and to stay afloat. Statistics show that wearing a lifejacket gives boaters and paddlers the best chance of survival in the event of an accident, especially in cold water.

If you’re heading out to enjoy water sports this July 4 weekend, keep these tips in mind:

— Hydrate. Drink water — lots of it.

— Eat something. Keep snacks on hand to replace electrolytes and calories.

— Apply sunscreen. Wear water-resistant sunscreen and reapply it often. Consider wearing a hat and the color white to reflect sunlight.

— Take a break in the shade. Dehydration can sneak up on you. Get out of the sun and rest.

— Keep your eyes on the water. Don’t be blinded by the sunlight — keep an eye out for swimmers, other boaters and paddlers, water skiers and other marine enthusiasts.

— Always wear a lifejacket. Accidents happen fast and without warning, even on a clear, sunny day.

— Stay sober. Never use alcohol or drugs when boating or floating in a river.

— Keep your eyes on children. They should never boat or float a river without the close supervision of an adult.

— File a float plan. Boaters and paddlers are encouraged to study their route in advance. Before heading out, tell someone about your plan.

— Avoid going out alone. Friends and family are lifesavers.

If you see a Port Orchard Police officer at the public boat ramp conducting complimentary vessel safety inspections, make sure you ask for your own, as well. If you don’t have what you need, you will receive a list of what you’re missing. If you have all the required safety equipment, then you’ll earn your inspection sticker for 2021.