Warm weather worries Whidbey lawmakers

Warmer than usual summer weather has Whidbey lawmakers worried about fireworks.

Warmer than usual summer weather has Whidbey lawmakers worried about fireworks.

Island County Sheriff Mark Brown this week announced a total burn ban, which will go into effect 8 a.m. Monday, June 29. The ban prohibits outdoor burning of natural debris, even with a permit, and open cooking fires except with the use of charcoal or gas barbecue grills.

If used, they must be at least 10 feet from natural vegetation.

As sheriff, Brown also serves as the county’s fire marshal.

The ban follows a lesser restriction passed early this month in which only recreational fires were allowed. Both measures were enacted as safety precautions to reduce the risk of fire during a period of reduced moisture levels, low humidity and warmer weather.

Similarly, the Island County commissioners Tuesday unanimously adopted a resolution that urges the public to voluntarily limit its discharge of fireworks during the Fourth of July holidays. Unlike the burn ban, the resolution is a request and does not carry the force of law.