Continued hot and dry weather has caused the fire danger level to be officially elevated by the Kitsap County Fire Marshal, the Bainbridge Island Fire Department announced Friday.

The county-wide ban on outdoor burning was expanded to include recreational burning, effective immediately, officials added.

A Phase II outdoor burn ban prohibits all types of outdoor fires, regardless of whether or not the fire is in a designated fire place or campground. With limited exceptions, no open flames are permitted, officials said.

The prohibition does not include gas or propane-fired appliances and also does not affect barbecues using charcoal briquettes.

Though weekend temperates were slightly cooler, officials said the slight weather shift was insufficient in affecting the overall dry conditions.