The Island County Sheriff’s Office is implementing a burn ban beginning Monday.

Starting at 8 a.m. Aug. 8, outdoor burning of natural debris will be banned, even if someone has a permit. Usually, burn bans start before the Fourth of July, but this year the weather didn’t warm up enough to worry about fire until August.

Recreational and cooking fires will be allowed in approved fire pits, which are lined with concrete or metal such as ones in established campgrounds. Outdoor cooking is also allowed on a propane barbecue, or barbecue with briquets, or a self-contained camp stove, according to information provided by the sheriff’s office.

Officials implemented the ban because of lower moisture levels, low humidity, warmer weather and a reduced availability of firefighter resources.

The burn ban will remain in effect until further notice.

Violations can be reported to 911.