The 2620 Fire on the south side of Mt. Jupiter expanded to 445 acres as of Friday morning (Aug. 16), with containment efforts facing new challenges.
Jefferson County authorities have maintained a Level 2 evacuation notice for residents in the 2500 block and above Duckabush Road, urging them to be prepared to leave if conditions worsen.
Ground crews, totaling 175 personnel, continue to assist firefighting efforts. However, poor visibility has forced the grounding of all aircraft, including helicopters and scoopers that previously had been crucial in slowing the spread of the fire.
Fire officials are closely monitoring the situation, hoping to resume aerial support as soon as conditions allow.
“This is expected to be a long-term incident, with crews likely working on containment for the next seven to 10 days, if not longer,” Brinnon Fire Chief Tim Manly said.
Despite the increasing size of the fire — it was at about 150 acres on Thursday morning after it started Wednesday night — no changes had been made to the evacuation notice. Residents are reminded to stay prepared, ensuring that vehicles are fueled and ready to go, and to review their evacuation plans with family members.
“Between 10 to 15 homes are on standby for evacuation,” Norma Brock, public information officer with the Western Washington Incident Management Team, said on Aug. 15.
As the firefighting efforts continue, the Brinnon community is rallying to support those on the front lines. The Brinnon Fire Association, a nonprofit organization, has initiated a donation drive to help provide meals for firefighters and other personnel.
“If you would like to donate to feed the firefighters and personnel working the Jupiter Fire in Brinnon, you can send donations through PayPal (brinnonfireassociation@gmail.com) or Venmo (@Sally-Marrone, last 4 of phone is 9415),” wrote Sally Marrone, secretary/treasurer of the Brinnon Fire Department.
Marrone noted that while the state Department of Natural Resources (DNR) may cover many of the expenses, the full extent of financial support is still unknown.
“Money donated will go to the Halfway House Restaurant, as needed,” Marrone said. “Any extra will be used by the association in accordance with our stated goal of supporting the Brinnon Fire Department.”
Other organizations are preparing to assist animals displaced by the blaze. Center Valley Animal Rescue, based in Quilcene, has staff on standby in Brinnon.
“Some of our staff are down in Brinnon waiting to help relocate animals impacted by the 2620 Road Fire in Duckabush,” the rescue organization stated.
While their location in Quilcene is not currently under evacuation orders, they are ready to house animals in need as the situation evolves.
The Jefferson County Fairgrounds also has offered its facilities as an emergency evacuation site.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation, and fire officials are urging residents to stay informed through official channels and heed all safety instructions as efforts to contain the fire continue.
