Island County Sheriff Mark Brown provided yet another sign that summer is over this week.

Brown, who’s also the county fire marshal, is lifting the ban on outdoor burning next week due to increased moisture.

The ban ends at 8 a.m., Tuesday, Sept. 30.

The sheriff banned outdoor fires earlier in the summer, which was especially hot and dry this year.

Burning of residential yard debris, land-clearing fires and other such conflagrations are permanently banned in Oak Harbor, Coupeville, Freeland, Langley and the urban growth areas of those municipalities.

Burning garbage and the use of a burn barrel is illegal statewide and can be subject to a fine that can exceed $1,000.

All yard debris and land-clearing burning requires a permit in the rural areas 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 4 feet in diameter, call Northwest Clean Air Agency at 360-428-1617, ext 4.

To obtain a written permit for fires more than 4 feet in diameter, call 360-679-7350.

Visit the Island County Environmental Health website for additional permit information.

Recreational fires less than 3 feet in diameter and 2 feet high do not require a permit.

For property that falls under the jurisdiction of the Department of Natural Resources, call 360-856-3500 for burn permit information.