BRINNON — Two people were rescued from an aggressive structure fire which burned a residence on U.S. Highway 101 near milepost 301.
The fire was between Brinnon and Quilcene on Mount Walker on Thursday night, according to a Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO) post on the social media platform X.
Three bystanders helped to remove the two occupants from the burning residence before fire personnel arrived, the Brinnon Fire Department (BFD) stated in a press release.
“Their swift actions are considered life-saving,” the release said.
Both people were transported to Jefferson Healthcare for evaluation and continued treatment, according to the release.
BFD responded to reports of the fire at about 8:30 p.m., according to the release.
“Multiple callers reported a residential structure fully engulfed in flames,” the release said.
On the scene, the first crews to arrive found that a primary residence and surrounding buildings were on fire.
First responders found that the property presented significant challenges both for access and fire suppression due to extensive storage conditions both on the interior and exterior of the structures.
The press release said the fire was aggressive and suppression efforts were extended. It took more than 90 minutes to bring the fire under control, BFD stated.
Mutual aid resources from East Jefferson Fire Rescue, Discovery Bay Fire & Rescue, Quilcene Fire Rescue, Mason County Fire District 17 and Hoodsport Fire Rescue supported BFD.
Additional support was provided by Washington State Patrol, Washington State Department of Transportation, the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, the Jefferson County Fire Marshal’s Office and Mason County PUD #1, according to the release.
“Their quick response and coordinated efforts were instrumental in containing the blaze and preventing further spread,” the release said.
“We are grateful for the brave actions of those who intervened and for the dedication of our regional fire service partners,” Fire Chief Tim Manly said. “This incident underscores the importance of community readiness and mutual aid partnerships in protecting lives and property.”
Crews remained on the scene throughout the day on Friday to assist with overhaul, fire investigation and debris management, the release said. The continued presence of personnel was due to the size of the incident and the volume of materials on the property, the release said.
The cause of the fire is under investigation of the Jefferson County Fire Marshal’s office, said Patrol Sgt. Brett Anglin of the Jefferson County Sheriff Office.
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Reporter Elijah Sussman can be reached by email at elijah.sussman @sequimgazette.com.
