Campfires are now permitted in Island County after recent rainy weather lowered the fire danger on Whidbey Island.

Recreational fires in an approved fire pit, barbecue grills using propane or briquettes and self-contained camp stoves are all allowed under the Type I burn ban as of Sept. 25, according to Island County Sheriff Rick Felici.

Still, no outdoor burns of natural materials are allowed, even with a permit.

Recreational and cooking fires must be less than 3 feet in diameter and cannot be more than 2 feet high. Fires should be 15 feet away from flammable materials like overhanging branches, and have a means to extinguish the fire nearby, like a garden hose, buckets of water or a fire extinguisher. Remember that someone 16 years of age or older should monitor the fire at all times. Cities may have their own fire restrictions and residents should check local guidelines.

At Deception Pass State Park, wood fires are now allowed in designated fire pits and grills.

Smoke from wildfires in Eastern Washington, Oregon and California covered the skies above Whidbey Island for more than a week earlier this month, leading to several air quality alerts and guidance to stay indoors.

Crews from Central Whidbey Fire and Rescue, and North Whidbey Fire and Rescue helped with the firefighting efforts across Eastern Washington and as far away as California this year.