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07/15/25 05 PM: Brinnon Belgian Drive Fire: Emergency Declared

Brinnon Belgian Drive Fire: Emergency Declared

Jefferson County Board unanimously approved emergency declaration for structure fire on Belgian Drive in Brinnon to aid depleted fire district funding. Fire near national park contained with helicopter support; no visible smoke, power restored, Red Cross shelter open.

Emergency Declaration for Structure Fire on Belgian Drive in Brinnon

Metadata

  • Time Range: 00:00:00–00:08:32 (PART 1)
  • Categories: public safety, emergency declaration

Summary

The Jefferson County Board of Commissioners held an emergency meeting to consider a resolution declaring a local emergency for a structure fire on Belgian Drive in Brinnon, Washington, which started at a vacant residency and posed a risk of spreading near national parkland. Staff briefed on the fire's status, noting Brinnon Fire District remained in command, windy conditions with helicopters active, no visible smoke from ground level, power restoration, and Red Cross involvement opening the Brinnon Community Center as a clear zone. The board unanimously approved the resolution to enable potential funding assistance for the depleted Brinnon Fire District.

Key Discussion Points

  • Phil provided briefing: Fire close to national park boundary, based on 2020 Mount Walker fire template; helps secure funding if large bill arises; Brinnon Fire still in command, not escalated to DNR; Red Cross contacted; staff reports of windy conditions masking fire visibility.
  • Updates from Willie Bentz, Sergeant Allen, Andrew Schwartz, and Gene Ball noted progress in gaining containment and power restoration.
  • Brandon Brown (DCD inspector) reported no visible haze or smoke from ground, helicopters dipping water.
  • Upcoming: Incident management team briefing at 6:00 PM; Phil and Brian to meet DNR investigators at 0900 tomorrow.

Public Comments

No public comment on this topic.

Supporting Materials Referenced

No supporting materials provided or referenced beyond the resolution draft shared on screen, which was based on a 2020 Mount Walker fire template. Minor corrections made to spelling of Chair's name (two L's in last name) and another name (H-O-U-R ending).

Financials

  • Potential large bill for Brinnon Fire District, which was depleted from prior incident.
  • Declaration to assist with funding, including potential federal funding.

Alternatives & Amendments

No alternatives discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: "Resolution in the matter of declaring an emergency regarding a structure fire on Belgian Drive in Brennan [Brinnon], Washington" motioned by Phil, seconded.
  • Vote: Unanimous (all aye).
  • Next Steps:
  • Incident management team briefing at 6:00 PM.
  • Phil and Brian to meet DNR investigators at 0900 tomorrow.
  • Update to BOCC email if needed post-briefing.

Background Materials

Contents

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