UPDATE: The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office said Monday morning it was a family of five that died in the explosion in Brinnon early Sunday, including two parents and their three children.
The origin of the fire remains unknown and may take several weeks to determine. Investigators do not believe the fire was the result of a criminal act, according to a press release from the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office.
The identity of the victims and the cause and manner of death is pending autopsy.
The cabin is one of many structures at 650 Salmon St. and appeared to be about 250 square feet.
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UPDATE: Brinnon Fire Chief Tim Manly said Sunday evening that there were a total of five people killed in this explosion and fire.
He said the investigation is finished, and no more information will be released until Monday, pending notification of family.
The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office also said it would not release further information Sunday.
Our initial report appears below. More information will be posted here as it becomes available.
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BRINNON — The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives is investigating after an explosion and fire left two people dead at a rental cabin near Brinnon.
Neighbors reported hearing an explosion at about 1 a.m. Sunday morning and reported that the hillside was on fire and the cabin was gone, according to a press release.
Brinnon Fire Chief Tim Manly said he would not comment yet, but would provide further information in the future. Calls to officials at the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office were not answered Sunday evening.
The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office requested help from the Washington State Patrol Crime Lab and ATF. The investigation is ongoing and the names of the deceased are being withheld pending notification of their families.
Fire departments that responded include the Brinnon Fire Department, Quilcene Fire Rescue, East Jefferson Fire-Rescue, Discovery Bay Fire Rescue, Port Ludlow Fire Rescue and a unit from Mason County.
More information will be posted here as it becomes available.
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Reporter Jesse Major can be reached at 360-452-2345, ext. 56250, or at jmajor@peninsuladailynews.com.
