As the dry conditions continue across Washington, the Port Angeles Fire Department is reminding everyone to be careful with their cigarette butts.
A “carelessly discarded cigarette" caused a brush fire near Peninsula College in Port Angeles early Friday morning, the department posted on Facebook. Firefighters said they were able to put the fire out.
The Washington State Patrol says tossing a cigarette from your vehicle could bring a $1,025 fine. If the tossed cigarette starts a fire, any fire-fighting cost and damages could also be passed along.
The reminder is important during Washington’s drier months. Almost the entire state is under a high or very high risk of wildfires, according to the Washington Department of Natural Resources.