The Bainbridge Island Fire Department is advising residents to take care with outdoor recreational fires due to the increasing danger of wildfires.

Bainbridge Island Fire Marshal Luke Carpenter notes that rising temperatures dramatically increase the danger of wildfires in our community.

At this time, the fire danger on Bainbridge Island is moderate, but the danger level could be raised if temperatures remain high and no precipitation occurs in the near future.

Currently, only recreational fires are allowed on Bainbridge Island.  Guidelines for recreational fires include:

Fires may not be larger than three feet in diameter;

Only dry,  natural fire wood may be burned;

Fires should not be closer than 25 feet to combustible structures such as houses, fences and sheds;

A garden hose should be kept handy to extinguish the fire when you’re done;

Watch for sparks and embers blowing in the wind;

An adult should be in attendance at all times; and

Extinguish all fires before leaving the site.

For more information, visit the Bainbridge Island Fire Department’s website at www.bifd.org or contact the Fire Marshal’s Office at 206-451-2033.