A Phase 1 burn ban went into effect in King County at 8 a.m. Thursday, July 15. It will run through Sept. 30 and applies throughout King County in incorporated and unincorporated areas.

“With local temperatures rising, we have called this burn ban to protect public health and safety during the summer months,” said King County Fire Marshal Jim Chan in a press release. “This ban will be in effect throughout the summer and will be lifted on Sept. 30.”

Forest and yard debris burning is not allowed under a Phase 1 ban, though recreational campfires in approved fire pits are permitted. However, campfires and fire pits are allowed only if they are located on private land with the landowner’s permission and built according to the specifications below.

These fires must:

• Be built in a metal or concrete fire pit, such as those typically found in designated campgrounds;

• Grow no larger than three feet across;

• Be located in a clear spot free from any vegetation for at least 10 feet in a horizontal direction, including a 20-foot vertical clearance from overhanging branches; and

• Be attended at all times by an alert individual with immediate access to a shovel and either five gallons of water or a connected and charged water hose.

For more information on local fire restrictions, call the King County Fire Marshal Division at 296-6763 or 1 (800) 323-BURN. To monitor the status of this burn ban, log on to the Department of Development and Environmental Services Web site at www.kingcounty.gov/property/FireMarshal/BurnBanInfo.aspx.