TRI-CITIES, Wash. -- Local fire leaders are warning folks not to get too comfortable with stagnant, wind-free air and cooler temperatures.

They worry it could lead to increased risk of wildfire.

Benton County Fire District (BCFD1) deputy chief Scott LoParco says the burn ban is still in affect.

He admits to briefly being fooled into thinking the wildfire season was wrapping up shortly before last week's wildfire south of town.

LoParco says the misconception is just that: a misconception and we're still under a strict burn ban.

"I think with the cooler temperatures in the morning and the smoke going on," he says. "People are thinking the fire danger has gone away and it hasn't. We just haven't had it yet, and we prefer to keep it that way."

LoParco is warning that a wildfire in current conditions would be hard to spot due to all the smoke.

Meaning it would be harder to catch the blaze early, giving it a chance to grow out of control before crews are even made aware of it.