King County Fire Marshal Eric Urban has issued a Stage 1 Burn Ban for the unincorporated areas of King County, which includes Vashon Island. It takes effect Monday at 12:01 a.m., June 30.

The ban, issued because the hot and dry season is fast approaching, prohibits both yard debris fires and fires set to clear land. Recreational fires and use of gas/propane appliances — including grills, pellet smokers and charcoal grills — are still permitted. Those who smoke should use extreme caution with their ashes or when they’re extinguishing cigarettes.

Fire officials set the burn ban because rising temperatures are expected to dry out vegetation across the county. That increases the risk of a fire spiraling out of control.

There are also rules for approved recreational or campfires:

• Firewood must be seasoned and dry.

• The fire must be built in a metal or concrete fire pit, like those typically found in campgrounds.

• The fire must not be used to dispose of debris.

• The fire must grow no larger than three feet wide.

• The fire must be in a clear spot, at least 10 feet away from all vegetation.

• Overhanging branches must be at least 20 feet above the flames.

• The fire must be at least 25 feet away from any structure.

• The fire must always be attended by an alert person with equipment that can put out the fire (such as a shovel and a five-gallon bucket of water, or a connected and charged water hose).

• After use, campfires must be completely extinguished by pouring water or moist soil over them and stirring with a shovel until all parts are cool to the touch.

• No burning is allowed when the wind speed is greater than 15 miles per hour.

• If smoke or ash from the fire causes a nuisance to any neighbors, the fire must be extinguished.

Get the latest information on current burn bans by visiting the Department of Local Services’ Fire Safety Burn Bans page.