Several counties in Western Washington announce burn bans

SEATTLE – Several counties in Western Washington have announced burn bans effective later this week.

KOMO-TV reports the ban in Pierce County, which includes Tacoma, will take effect Thursday. The Pierce County ban applies to all outdoor land clearing and yard debris burning in the county.

A burn ban prohibiting backyard burning as well as land clearing even for those with permits also goes into effect west of Seattle in Kitsap County on Thursday.

In Island County, which includes Whidbey Island and Camano Island, a burn ban takes effect Friday. All outdoor burning of natural debris will be prohibited even for those with permits.

Fire marshals say the bans are needed because of reduced moisture levels, low humidity and warmer weather – along with the reduced availability of firefighting resources.