Crossposted from King County Local

With warmer temperatures and a busy soccer summer in the forecast, King County is taking several steps to help remind the community the importance of fire safety.

The National Weather Service is predicting above-average temperatures this summer. That will create drier conditions and increase the risk of fire.

Given that forecast, Fire Marshal Eric Urban has issued a Stage 1 Burn Ban for unincorporated King County that will take effect Monday, June 22.

And with the July 4th holiday in a couple of weeks, Urban also is reminding the community that the use and sale of fireworks in unincorporated King County is prohibited. “With the World Cup coming to King County, along with America’s 250th birthday on July 4th, we know this is going to be a busy and active summer,” Urban said. “We appreciate that people will want to celebrate with their friends and neighbors. We just want them to remember during this time of extremely dry conditions, the risk of fire is high. There are things they can do – and not do – to reduce that risk while still enjoying themselves. That includes adhering to the Stage 1 Burn Ban, not using fireworks, and adhering to a Stage 2 Burn Ban if called. It goes a long way toward keeping unwanted fires to a minimum.” Read more.