Eastside Fire and Rescue has begun its annual burning moratorium on June 15. This year, because of a statewide drought and unseasonably warm weather already here, the moratorium is a precautionary measure to reduce fire danger.

The burn moratorium extends through Sept. 30. Anyone living within the boundaries of Eastside Fire and Rescue should follow these guidelines:

Land clearing: All burning to clear land has been permanently banned in King, Pierce and Snohomish Counties.

Recreational uses: Cooking and recreational fires require a permit, but there is no fee for the permit. These types of fires must use only dry, seasoned wood and are not subject to the annual burn ban. Propane, natural gas and charcoal fires do not require a burn permit. Fires must be no more than 3 feet in diameter, and no more than 2 feet high. All fires must be contained in a fire ring, barbecue pit, or similar device.

Residential uses: All residential burning requires a no-fee permit, and is subject to the summer burn ban.

Other bans: Any fire burning wood may also be affected by a burn ban from the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency, www.pscleanair.org.

Permits: Eastside Fire and Rescue permit applications are available online, at www.eastsidefire-rescue.org.

For more information, call (425) 313-3200.