The U.S. The Forest Service announced that camp fires are prohibited in the Mt.Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest beginning July 30.

The ban will last indefinitely until conditions improve. The ban includes all campfires, charcoal or briquette fires, pellet fires and any other open fires. The ban does not apply to portable cooking stoves, lanterns, heating devices or bottle fuels, such as propane.

“We are abnormally dry here in Western Washington, and we are having another busy fire season nationally,” said Kit Moffitt, Fire Management Staff Officer Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest. “Wildland fire crews are badly needed on large fires occurring throughout the West. With a scarcity of firefighters and engines, we need to do everything we can to reduce the chances of another wildfire.”

According to the state Department of Natural Resources, King County currently has a high risk of fire danger and outdoor burning. On July 29, a brush fire caused by target shooting led to a 1.4 acre fire just outside North Bend.