PORT LUDLOW, Wash. — Fire crews are continuing to battle two brush fires near Rocktogo Road and State Route 104 south of Port Ludlow, with Highway 104 remaining closed in both directions as emergency personnel work to contain the flames.
East Jefferson Fire Rescue indicated that crews have contained the east fire and are working to extinguish remaining hot spots. Firefighters are also continuing efforts on the west fire, which was reported to be approximately 25% contained in the latest update.
The fire response began after crews reported a brush fire along Highway 104 near Rocktogo Road. East Jefferson Fire Rescue noted the initial fire involved an area of brush measuring approximately 50 feet by 50 feet beneath power lines. A second brush fire was subsequently indicated on the north side of the highway.
According to updates from Jefferson County Public Utility District No. 1, approximately 100 firefighters were on scene as of the 5 p.m. update. Crews from East Jefferson Fire Rescue, Quilcene, Brinnon, the Navy, Clallam 3 and the Washington Department of Natural Resources are assisting with the reaction.
The fire, identified in local updates as the Horseshoe Fire, had burned approximately five acres by 3:29 p.m. A Black Hawk helicopter was also indicated circling the area, apparently assisting firefighting operations from the air. Officials have urged people to avoid the area while emergency crews remain active.
Highway 104 remains closed as firefighters continue working on the fires. The road was closed east of the Highway 104/Highway 19 roundabout, and motorists have been advised to use alternate routes and stay clear of the emergency reply area.
A public safety power shut-off was also implemented to assist firefighters because of the fire activity near power infrastructure. Jefferson County PUD reported that outages affected hundreds of customers during the response, while line crews remained on site inspecting infrastructure. The cause of the fires has not been released in the information gave.
At the latest reported update, there were no evacuations in effect and no homes were currently threatened. Locals in Port Ludlow and surrounding areas are encouraged to continue monitoring official updates from emergency law enforcement and to avoid Highway 104 until the closure is lifted.
