The following is a release from the city of Kirkland:

The Kirkland Fire Department has lifted the safety burn ban, which was originally issued on Aug. 18 when hot, dry and windy conditions were prevalent throughout the area. Monitoring of fire dangers, including fuel and moisture, has continued over the previous two-week period, and today fire-danger indicators returned to normal levels for this time of year, allowing the lifting of the burn ban.

“While fire danger has returned to typical levels because of recent rain, conditions remain quite dry,” said Kirkland Fire Marshal Mark Jung. “Fire danger will continue to be elevated until we reach the end of the wildland-fire season.”

Recreational fires, which include the burning of materials other than rubbish that is not contained in an incinerator, outdoor fireplace, barbecue grill or barbecue pit, will continue to be limited in size and location. More information on the burning of recreational fires can be found on the city of Kirkland website.

Issuing of a burn ban is based on objective measures including moisture levels of fuel such as dead trees and brush in combination with Red Flag Warnings issued from the National Weather Service in Seattle. Critical weather conditions, including extremely dry winds and low humidity, can combine to create potential for rapid fire growth that could endanger people or structures.

The criteria for lifting a ban is wet weather and/or high humidity for a period long enough to cause fuel moisture to reach safe levels.