Island County Sheriff Mark Brown announced that a burn ban will be in effect starting on July 1.

This means no outdoor burning of natural debris, even with a permit. Additionally, recreational and cooking fires are allowed only in approved fire pits lined with concrete or metal, such as in established campgrounds.

Outdoor cooking is also allowed on a propane barbecue, or a barbecue with briquettes or a self-contained camp stove.

The sheriff cited atmospheric conditions of reduced moisture levels, low humidity and continued dry, hot weather combined with less firefighting resources, causing a substantial risk of the spread of fire within the county.

Brown asked citizens to report violations by calling 911.

For more information on the ban, call 321-5111, ext. 7343.