The remains of a cabin that exploded and burned in Brinnon, Jefferson County, on Sunday. A family of five from Monroe died in the blaze. (Jesse Major / Peninsula Daily News)

The remains of a cabin that exploded and burned in Brinnon, Jefferson County, on Sunday. A family of five from Monroe died in the blaze. (Jesse Major / Peninsula Daily News)

Monroe family of 5 died in Jefferson County cabin explosion

The “tragic accident” in Brinnon killed the Drake family, including three children.

BRINNON — Jefferson County — Officials are calling the explosion that left a family of five from Monroe dead in this community on Hood Canal early Sunday morning a “tragic accident.”

Jefferson County Prosecutor and Coroner Mike Haas identified the parents as Jenny L. Drake and Jerry A. Drake, both 42. They were at the cabin with their their three children, ages 11, 8 and 2.

Brinnon Fire Chief Tim Manly told reporters Monday afternoon the cause of the fire has not been determined. The federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives is investigating.

“Everybody is in shock right now,” Manly said. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the victims.”

He said autopsies are planned at the King County Medical Examiner’s Office on Tuesday.

“There’s no reason to suspect foul play at this time, but we need to make sure we do a thorough job to make sure nothing improper occurred and to the extent we can, to figure out what happened so we can prevent this type of tragedy from occurring in the future,” Haas said.

Manly said the family regularly vacationed at the 250-square-foot cabin on Salmon Street in Brinnon and were known in the neighborhood.

Jason Chudy, with ATF, said he couldn’t give a timeline for the investigation. He referred all questions to Jefferson County Undersheriff Art Frank, who did not return phone calls Monday.

“The follow-up will likely take weeks to complete,” Frank said in an email.

Manly said neighbors reported the fire at about 1 a.m. Sunday. They said they heard an explosion and saw flames shooting into the air.

A neighbor reported hearing a hissing noise before the explosion, Manly said. Investigators found a blown five-gallon propane tank, but it wasn’t clear whether the fire was caused by the tank.

The bodies were found inside.

This story first appeared in the Peninsula Daily News, a sibling paper of The Daily Herald.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Local News

Olivia Vanni / The Herald 
The Mukilteo Lighthouse. Built in 1906, it’s one of the most iconic landmarks in Snohomish County.
The Mukilteo Lighthouse. Built in 1906, it’s one of the most iconic landmarks in Snohomish County. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Mukilteo mayor vetoes council-approved sales tax

The tax would have helped pay for transportation infrastructure, but was also set to give Mukilteo the highest sales tax rate in the state.

South County Fire plans push-in ceremony for newest fire engine

Anybody who attends will have the opportunity to help push the engine into the station.

Marysville Mayor Jon Nehring gives the state of the city address at the Marysville Civic Center on Wednesday, Jan. 31, 2024, in Marysville, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Marysville council approves interim middle housing law

The council passed the regulations to prevent a state model code from taking effect by default. It expects to approve final rules by October.

x
State audit takes issue with Edmonds COVID grant monitoring

The audit report covered 2023 and is the third since 2020 that found similar issues with COVID-19 recovery grant documentation.

Bothell
Bothell man pleads guilty to sexual abuse of Marysville middle schoolers

The man allegedly sexually assaulted three students in exchange for vapes and edibles in 2022. His sentencing is set for Aug. 29.

Larsen talks proposed Medicaid cuts during Compass Health stop in Everett

Compass Health plans to open its new behavioral health center in August. Nearly all of the nonprofit’s patients rely on Medicaid.

Position 1 candidates prioritize public safety, differ on tax increases

Derica Escamilla is looking to retain her seat against challengers Dio Boucsieguez and Brandon Kimmel.

Community members gather for the dedication of the Oso Landslide Memorial following the ten-year remembrance of the slide on Friday, March 22, 2024, at the Oso Landslide Memorial in Oso, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
The Daily Herald garners 6 awards from regional journalism competition

The awards recognize the best in journalism from media outlets across Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon and Washington.

on Monday, July 14, 2025 in Edmonds, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Mini heat wave moving into Snohomish County

The National Weather Service has issued a heat advisory, warning of temperatures climbing to mid-80s or low 90s Tuesday and Wednesday.

Snohomish County Dahlia Society members Doug Symonds and Alysia Obina on Monday, March 3, 2025 in Lake Stevens, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
How to grow for show: 10 tips for prize-winning dahlias

Snohomish County Dahlia Society members share how they tend to their gardens for the best blooms.

State Attorney General Nick Brown's office posted a release announcing $720 million in nationwide settlements with eight drugmakers that manufactured opioid pills and worsened the nationwide opioid crisis. The state could receive more than $16 million, the release said. (Ryan Berry/Washington State Standard)
Snohomish County to receive portion of latest $16M opioid settlement

While the amount of money is still unknown, funding plans are already in place to help with drug abuse prevention, treatment and education.

District 2 candidates differ in public safety approach

Incumbent Paula Rhyne is facing challenger Ryan Crowther. The third candidate, Jonathan Shapiro, is no longer seeking the seat.

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.