A burn ban will start in Island County at 8 a.m. Thursday, July 15.

Sheriff Mark Brown, who also serves as the county fire marshal, announced the ban on all outdoor fires on this week

No burning of outdoor debris will be allowed. The prohibition also covers even those burns that already have a permit.

Recreational cooking fires are still allowed if they are contained within established fire pits, lined with metal or concrete. Cooking fires are also allowed in barbecues (propane or briquettes), and self-contained camp stoves.

The county said the burn ban was needed due to atmospheric conditions of reduced moisture levels, continued dry, hot weather and low humidity. The notice of the ban also said the reduced availability of fire-fighting resources created a substantial risk of the spread of fire.