A countywide burn ban effective at midnight Fri., July 13 has been declared, the office of Pierce County Fire Marshal Wayne Wienholz announced. Prompted by dry and hot weather, the ban will be in effect until further notice. It applies to all outdoor burning except small recreational fires in established fire pits at approved camp grounds or on private property with the owner’s permission. Persons with approved DNR burn permits may call 1-800-323-BURN for burn ban information. The burn ban declaration was issued in cooperation with the Pierce County Fire Chiefs Association and the Department of Natural Resources.