American Legion Post 149 in Bremerton will remain closed for an estimated six to eight weeks following what lounge manager Chrissy Huckabee described as a “catastrophic electrical fire” in November.

Huckabee said the fire occurred around 8:30 p.m. after a loud bang was heard from the front of the building on Kitsap Way. She said the lights began blinking before going out, and arcing was observed in the kitchen area.

“The main breaker panel was engulfed in flames,” Huckabee said. She and a patron used two fire extinguishers before everyone evacuated safely. The Bremerton Fire Department extinguished the blaze, and Puget Sound Energy disconnected power to the building at the transformer, she said.

The fire immediately halted post operations. Huckabee said all Veterans Day activities, the Early Bird Dinner, King of Clubs and scheduled meetings were canceled, along with hall rentals, weekly pool games and other regular events.

“That place is my life — our patrons are my family,” Huckabee said.

The cause of the fire has not been officially determined, Huckabee said. She believes a transformer may have suffered an internal short that caused high voltage to the meter base and main breaker panel, igniting the blaze.

Huckabee said the back corner of the kitchen suffered major fire damage and the entire building experienced smoke damage.

To maintain community connections during the closure, Huckabee said meals are being delivered to members and buddy checks continue throughout the holiday season. Seahawks breakfasts were hosted at members’ homes, and weekly pool games and meetings were temporarily held at nearby veteran organizations.

Community members have donated funds, and support has come from the Boozefighters Motorcycle Club and anonymous donors.

Huckabee reported that all repair estimates had been finalized and submitted to the insurance provider, though approval is pending.

The closure has had a significant financial impact, particularly on employees who lost income during the holiday season. The loss of winter fundraising also affects the post’s ability to support operations during slower summer months, per Huckabee.

Huckabee said the experience has been difficult for staff, describing it as depressing to wake up without work and without the ability to assist veterans as usual. Still, she said she remains motivated by the knowledge that the post will reopen and eventually return to normal operations, despite ongoing challenges related to time, expense and losses.

Huckabee said she hopes the post will reopen in mid-January, pending permits, inspections and insurance approvals.