The countywide burn ban in unincorporated Pierce County will be lifted, effective 8 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 10.

Due to the extraordinary amount of rainfall that has occurred in the past week, a decision has been made to lift the current burn ban. This is a consensus decision by the Department of Natural Resources and the Fire Marshals of Pierce, Kitsap, King, and Mason counties.

The lifting of the fire safety burn ban does not affect those areas in Pierce County where burning is prohibited because of environmental or pollution laws, nor in areas where the local fire district limits or prohibits burning. Burning in those areas is still not allowed.

Burning is restricted to natural vegetation from the burn site only. The burning of garbage, paper or other refuse is strictly prohibited at all times. Contact your local fire department to see if you are required to obtain a burning permit.

For further information in Pierce County; call your local fire district, the Fire Prevention Bureau at 253-798-71 79, or 1-800-323-BURN.