As of today, Aug. 17, Island County’s burn ban in place will be relaxed from the total burn ban put in place July 31.

Residents may now have recreational and cooking fires in approved fire pits lined with concrete or metal, such as in established camp grounds. Outdoor cooking is also allowed on a propane barbecue, a briquette barbecue or a self-contained camp stove.

A full ban is still in effect for the burning of natural debris, even with a permit.

Island County Sheriff Mark Brown, who doubles as the fire marshal, updated his mandate after consulting with fire districts and the Northwest Clean Air Agency.

Brown said the combination of reduced moisture levels, low humidity and sunny weather, along with the reduced availability of firefighting resources, increased the risk of fire within the county and spurred the original ban.

The ban will remain in effect until further notice.