PORT TOWNSEND — A small grass fire that shut down state Highway 19 has been deemed accidental, likely caused by a cigarette thrown from a passing car.

The fire shut down Highway 19 in both directions Thursday afternoon. Crews were alerted to the fire by a firefighter from North Kitsap Fire and Rescue who happened to pass by, according to Bill Beezley, communications officer for East Jefferson Fire-Rescue (EJFR).

The fire burned an area roughly 50 feet by 75 feet along Highway 19 near milepost 7.4, Beezley said.

“We caught it and knocked it out pretty quick,” Beezley said. “It was likely sparked by a cigarette or something from a passing car. It doesn’t look suspicious. We feel confident that it was accidental.”

The highway was shut down for over an hour starting at 4:30 p.m. while crews from EJFR, Port Ludlow Fire Rescue and Engine 91 from Naval Magazine Indian Island doused the grass fire.

According to Beezley, EJFR has seen an increase in call volume this year, which is only partially due to fires.

However, EJFR Chief Gordon Pomeroy did cite an increase in calls due to illegal burns during this year’s summer burn ban, which started July 1 and generally runs until Sept. 31.

In response, the fire district will be responding to these illegal burns with fines, Pomeroy said in a news release.

During the summer burn ban, land-clearing burns or bush burning in residential neighborhoods is illegal.

Recreational fires are allowed only in firepits or other approved containers and must be kept to 3 feet in diameter and 2 feet high.

First-time violators will be subject to a $1,000 criminal citation. Fines for repeat offenders can extend to up to $14,915, according to a news release from EJFR.

Fires for trash disposal are not considered recreational and are illegal in Jefferson County year-round. For first-time offenders, trash fires also come with a $1,000 criminal citation.

The burn ban likely will be lifted in October, but the fire district can extend the ban if dry conditions continue.

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Jefferson County Editor/Reporter Cydney McFarland can be reached at 360-385-2335, ext. 55052, or at cmcfarland@peninsuladailynews.com.