A growing 150-acre wildfire in Jefferson County is threatening homes and has prompted fire officials to warn residents to prepare for potential evacuation if conditions worsen.
The 2620 fire near the town of Brinnon on the Olympic Peninsula started burning Wednesday evening near the Mount Jupiter area, according to the Brinnon Fire Department. The Washington State Patrol authorized state fire assistance for local firefighters working to contain the blaze on Thursday. It is threatening homes, according to the Patrol.
As of Thursday, the entire Duckabush area was under a Level 1 “be alert” evacuation notice while certain residents were under a Level 2 “be ready” notice, according to the Brinnon Fire Department, which initially responded to the fire.
The fire, which is close to the Olympic National Forest, is moving northwest, but smoke could reach Seattle, depending on the wind patterns, Department of Natural Resources spokesperson Thomas Kyle-Milward said. DNR now has six aircraft on the fire as well as two hand crews, four engines and a Forest Service engine on the ground, he said.
An origin location or cause for the fire was not available, Kyle-Milward said.
“It’s pretty dang smokey out there,” Kyle-Milward said. “Given the wind direction, there is an assumption that Seattle might get a little smoke. We’re not sure how much, but they’re going to at least be able to smell it.”
The fire is burning in a recently logged area with steep terrain and heavy fuels, according to an Incident Management Team news release. Crews on the ground are working to place lines around homes for protection.
Shelters have not been opened. Residents evacuating and needing to shelter animals because of the fire should contact the Center Valley Animal Rescue in Quilcene.
Tips when smoke worsens air quality
- Stay indoors when air quality levels are considered “unhealthy,” or when AQI levels exceed 150. People at higher risk from smoke — including children, those over 65, those with asthma or respiratory and heart conditions, and pregnant people — should stay indoors when AQI hits 100.
- Limit physical activity outdoors, including physical labor, running, biking and sports, when smoke levels are “unhealthy for sensitive groups,” or measure over 100 AQI.
- Watch for symptoms of smoke exposure. Move people inside if they have a headache, sore throat or nose, cough, burning eyes, dizziness or wheezing.
- Improve indoor air quality by closing windows and doors, unless it gets too hot, and setting up a HEPA or box fan filter.
- Visit libraries, community centers, malls or other indoor spaces with air conditioning to stay cool.
- Wear N95 or KN95 masks when outside. They offer good protection from smoke for most people.
For additional information on air quality and smoke impacts near you, visit the website AirNow.gov or the Washington Smoke Blog, which is run by local, state and federal agencies.
