Evacuation notices have been issued as a Brinnon-area fire that closed Duckabush Road continues to grow.

State fire assistance has been mobilized, under the Washington State Fire Services Resource Mobilization Plan, in support of the local firefighters working to contain the fire on Mount Jupiter, approximately 5 miles west of the town of Brinnon.

Washington State Patrol Chief John Batiste authorized the mobilization of state firefighting resources to the Mount Jupiter fire at 12:45 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 15, at the request of Tim Manly, chief of the Brinnon Fire Department.

The Mount Jupiter fire, also known as the 2620 Road Fire, started on Wednesday, Aug. 14, at approximately 5 p.m.

As of 2:50 p.m. Thursday, the fire was estimated to be 150 acres and growing, burning in slash and timber, and threatening homes.

The fire has been classified as a Level 1 alert for the entire Duckabush area, but for those in the 2500 block or above, the alert has been raised to Level 2.

At Level 1, evacuations are voluntary, while at Level 2, there is significant enough danger that authorities recommend those in the area consider leaving voluntarily and be ready to leave at a moment’s notice.

If conditions escalate to Level 3, those in the area need to leave immediately, due to imminent danger.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

The State Emergency Operations Center at Camp Murray has been activated to Level 2 (partial activation) to help coordinate state assistance.

Mobilization specialists from the Fire Protection Bureau have ordered two strike teams to help aid in containment efforts.

State Fire Marshal’s Office personnel are working remotely to coordinate the dispatch of resources.

Members of the Brinnon community willing to assist in evacuating animals as needed should reach out to Center Valley Animal Rescue, who has created a list of resources, and is coordinating efforts to ensure all animals are safely relocated.

Call Center Valley Animal Rescue at 360-765-0598.