An 85-year-old woman died in a fire that engulfed a three-story home in Brinnon in the early morning of Dec. 17.

Rosali Schlaefli, of Brinnon, was found dead in the home after fire crews extinguished the flames.

Brinnon Fire Department was alerted to a fire at 312405 Highway 101 in Brinnon at 1:15 a.m. on Tuesday.

“When we arrived it was 85 percent engulfed in flames,” said Brinnon Fire Chief Tim Manly. 

Wayne Schlaefli, 86, was found outside the home. He alerted fire crews that his wife, Rosali, was still inside the home.

Schlaefli has one son who lives in the area, Manly said, and a daughter who lives in California. He is currently with his son and the Red Cross is providing a place for him to stay, as well as food, clothing and medications.

The investigation into the cause of the fire is ongoing.

Responding alongside the Brinnon Fire Department was the Quilcene Fire Rescue, Port Ludlow Fire & Rescue, Mason County Fire Department, Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, Discovery Bay Fire Rescue and Mason County PUD, Manly said.

The Bremerton Fire Department, East Jefferson Fire Rescue and Kitsap Fire Marshall are aiding in the continuing investigation.

“We have about 25 firefighters on scene,” Manly said. “Investigation will last late into the day.”

This is the second house fire to occur this month. Two weeks ago, a home was destroyed just days after a Coyle family moved in.

“Our little community is in need of thoughts and prayers once again,” wrote Manly on the Brinnon Community Facebook page.