BRINNON — The Belgian Fire, a 5-acre wildland fire which claimed two structures and saw many evacuate their homes, has been extinguished and 100 percent contained.
Still under investigation, the fire was determined to be human caused.
All crews left the scene Thursday, said Brinnon Fire Department Chief Tim Manly. Crews will periodically monitor the scene over the next few days, he added.
“The Belgian Fire, although limited to approximately five acres, presented significant challenges due to its steep terrain, dense timber, and dry weather conditions,” Manly wrote in an email. “Thanks to a well-coordinated multi-agency response, we were able to contain and fully extinguish the fire without any injuries to civilians or responders.”
At 8 a.m. Thursday morning, Jefferson County’s Department of Emergency Management (DEM) sent emails and text messages via its Nixle alert system, which notified recipients that all evacuation orders for area residents had been lifted.
Manly said the incredible level of regional collaboration and community support stood out.
Seventy firefighters were on the scene from the Brinnon Fire Department, Quilcene Fire Rescue, East Jefferson Fire Rescue, Mason County, Navy Region Northwest and the state Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Strike teams from Kitsap County and Mason County also responded.
Two helicopters were involved in the response.
Manly also recognized the community support in the response. He named the Brinnon Community Center, which was opened and staffed by volunteers to receive evacuees.
Members of the American Red Cross mobilized and were en route to operate the shelter.
The Halfway House Restaurant and the Geoduck Restaurant and Lounge were open for evacuees and served meals to firefighters.
Center Valley Animal Rescue offered help to residents evacuating large animals.
Manly also recognized the Brinnon General Store and the many volunteers, some of whom helped prepare and distribute meals.
“It was a true community-wide effort,” Manly wrote.
The fire started Tuesday at about 2:10 p.m. At 2:43 p.m., the DEM issued a Level 3 “Go now” evacuation order to residents of Belgian Drive, Morocco Place, Rock Brook Road, Arabian Drive, Shetland Lane and the north side of Dosewallips Road from Rockybrook Road to about 1 mile north.
Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office deputies went door to door to notify residents of evacuation orders.
State firefighting resources were mobilized at 4:30 p.m.
At about 8 p.m., the fire had been sufficiently contained to reduce the evacuation order to Level 1, “Get Ready.”
At that point, evacuees were able to return to their homes. The community center did not end up seeing overnight use.
Crews of more than 40 remained onsite into the afternoon Wednesday. A Brinnon Fire facebook post during the late afternoon Wednesday said its crews would remain on site until 9 p.m. and that DNR crews would patrol through though night.
“Thank you again to our incredible community for your patience, support, and generosity throughout this incident,” Manly wrote.
Manly requested, in his Thursday Facebook post, that the community remain vigilant and report suspicious activity if observed. Reports can be made anonymously, he said.
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Reporter Elijah Sussman can be reached by email at elijah.sussman @sequimgazette.com
