Hood Canal wildfire funnels smoke through Olympic Nat'l Forest

Wildfire burning on Mt. Jupiter near Hood Canal

Mt. Jupiter is burning, with smoke spreading through the Olympic National Forest and down to the banks of Hood Canal.

JEFFERSON COUNTY, Wash. - The Road 2620 Fire is burning Mt. Jupiter, with smoke spreading through the Olympic National Forest and down to the banks of Hood Canal.

Local fire crews, working alongside the Department of Natural Resources (DNR), are trying to contain the growing blaze now threatening homes in the Duckabush area. The fire, first discovered around 5 p.m. Wednesday night, has already scorched 150 acres, growing from just 4 acres in less than 24 hours.

The Brinnon Fire Department reports that containment efforts are focused on creating fire lines along the backside of homes in Duckabush, with the help of heavy machinery on the ground and helicopters overhead. Fire Chief, Tim Manly says because of the remote location, aerial resources are a must. However, helicopters attempting to extinguish the flames on Thursday faced some serious limitations.

"The helicopters have to be able to see where they’re going, and this smoke is very thick," explained Chief Manly. "Where it started is just this huge degree of slope and just dangerous conditions to even think about putting firefighters into it."

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(Brinnon Fire Department)

Authorities are urging non-visitors to keep out of the area. People are also asked to avoid Lake Cushman, as aircraft are collecting water for firefighting efforts.

Locals working in the area tell FOX 13 Seattle that the smell of smoke is inescapable.

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Mt. Jupiter is burning, with smoke spreading through the Olympic National Forest and down to the banks of Hood Canal. (Lauren Donovan)

The wildland fire, which was reported as "slowly creeping" as of Wednesday night, has prompted warnings for local residents to be prepared for potential evacuation. Around 140 people live in this area, with approximately 100 homes at risk.

A burn ban remains in effect as fire crews continue their efforts to bring the blaze under control. The cause of the fire is still unknown.