Effective Thursday, outdoor debris disposal burning will be prohibited in most of Jefferson and Clallam counties.
No open burning is allowed within the city limits of Port Townsend, Sequim, Port Angeles and Forks.
The exception is within Olympic National Park and other controlled campgrounds.
During the period of the burn ban, violators may be assessed fines of up to $10,000 per day for each violation. They may also be held responsible for the cost of putting out a fire, which can cost thousands of dollars.
While the burn ban in Jefferson County typically lasts from July 1 until Aug. 30, fire districts have the authority to extend the ban if there is still hot, dry weather.
The ban in Clallam County generally lasts from July 1 to Oct. 1, unless conditions allow for an earlier closure.
For burn ban updates in Jefferson County, visit www.ejfr.org.
In Clallam County, see http://tinyurl.com/2eqdt3l.
