UPDATE: Wildfire across the water (updated Thursday afternoon)

9:47 PM: Thanks for the texts and photos. Across Puget Sound, what appears to be a new wildfire is burning on the Olympic Peninsula, visible from West Seattle (as shown above). We’re still looking for specifics. Fred sent this photo from friends in Seabeck [map], looking west across Hood Canal:

UPDATE: Just a moment after we published this – this fire-watching X/Twitter user says it’s fire 2620 and that DNR (the state Department of Natural Resources) is on it.

ADDED THURSDAY MORNING: Texter notes that the Brinnon FD was the initial responder on this. They describe the fire as being on Mount Jupiter and report that DNR has taken over.

ADDED THURSDAY AFTERNOON: Thanks to Lorabeth for that photo of the view from North Admiral last night. Meantime, DNR has sent its first news release about the “2620 Road Fire,” including this:

State fire assistance has been mobilized under the Washington State Fire Services Resource Mobilization Plan in support of local firefighters working to contain the 2620 Fire located in Jefferson County, near the town of Brinnon. Washington State Patrol Chief John Batiste authorized the mobilization of state firefighting resources on August 15, 2024, at 12:45 p.m. at the request of Fire Chief Tim Manly, Brinnon Fire Department.

The 2620 Road Fire started on August 14, 2024, at approximately 5:00 p.m. This fire is estimated at 150 acres and growing. It is burning in slash and timber and is threatening homes. Level 1 and 2 evacuations are in effect at this time. The fire cause is currently under investigation.

The State Emergency Operations Center at Camp Murray is activated to Level 2, partial activation, to help coordinate state assistance for the 2620 Road Fire. Mobilization specialists from the Fire Protection Bureau have ordered two strike teams to help aid in containment efforts. State Fire Marshal’s Office personnel are working remotely to coordinate the dispatch of resources.

12 Replies to "UPDATE: Wildfire across the water (updated Thursday afternoon)"

  • DD August 14, 2024 (9:52 pm)

    Flames are visible from north admiral looking west….appears to be a significant  blaze.

  • Grilled Cheese August 15, 2024 (6:46 am)

    Wow. I have lived in WS since 2008 and never seen a wildfire across the bay. This has to be caused by a human. I am sure this has happened in the past too. It’s dry out there. Please avoid campfires and burning. You risk people’s homes and lives for your dumb enjoyment of s’mores.

    • Derp August 15, 2024 (10:59 am)

      Pretty quick to assume human involvement 

      • Grilled Cheese August 15, 2024 (3:53 pm)

        Not many thunderstorms in the past week. I am just saying. I camp almost every weekend and there are fire bans all over the state and I see people having camp fires. People just don’t care in today’s world. Sad

      • KM August 16, 2024 (7:47 am)

        Most wildfires are human caused. By a large margin.

  • jwmiller August 15, 2024 (10:15 am)

    grilled cheese … it’s not actually in a camping area.  Old clearcut and private ownership restrict hiker access to the mt jupiter trail.  private hunting area I think.  more likely off-road vehicle fun or hunting party  …

  • jwmiller August 15, 2024 (1:20 pm)

    derp … while there is a power line perhaps 1/2 mile away, no power lines up there, and no recent storms … professionals estimate that between 70 & 90% of fires are human caused.  So human cause is kinda likely.  Has anyone seen an update since 11am this morning?  West of the clearcut area it is really really steep, so could be a challenge if not nailed today.

    • WSB August 15, 2024 (3:23 pm)

      We’ve received the first news release about it from DNR, which now estimates the fire at “150 acres and growing.” Adding above.

  • Admiral-2009 August 15, 2024 (5:09 pm)

    Has a cause been determined?  

    • WSB August 15, 2024 (5:37 pm)

      Under investigation as per news release quoted above.

  • Steven John Walker August 15, 2024 (6:38 pm)

    We’re in Brinnon. It crossed over into the Dosie side from the Duck side around noon today. They have been fighting it hard with 3 choppers and 4 planes. Air traffic all day. Those are some dramatic shots you got from across the pond.

    • WSB August 15, 2024 (7:07 pm)

      Thanks for the update! Stay safe!

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