Due to the increase in fuel moisture levels, the Island County Sheriff’s Office lifted the ban on outdoor burning in the county Friday.

The sheriff’s office reminds residents that residential yard debris and land-clearing burning are permanently banned in Coupeville, Freeland, Langley and Oak Harbor.

All yard debris and land-clearing burning will require a permit where open burning is allowed. All written burn permits will be issued through the Island County Health Department.

To obtain a verbal permit for fires less than four feet in diameter, call Northwest Clean Air Agency at 360-428-1617, extension 4.

To obtain a written permit for fires over four feet in diameter, call 360-679-7350 on North and Central Whidbey or 360-321-5111 extension 7350 on South Whidbey.

Recreational fires less than three feet in diameter and two feet high do not require a permit. Burning garbage and the use of burn barrels is illegal statewide and subject to fines than can exceed $1,000.

People whose property falls under the jurisdiction of the Department of Natural Resources can call 360-856-3500 for burn permit information.