Posted: March 1, 2010 3:00:42 PM PST
An early morning fire on March 1 destroyed two unoccupied buildings in downtown Bellingham. People passing by called 9-1-1 at 2:41 a.m. reporting extensive fire in the connected, unoccupied, commercial buildings located in the 400 block of West Holly Street. The buildings, owned by the Trillium Corporation consisted of one two-story, and one three-story wood frame building thought to have been originally constructed in the early 1900s.
Bellingham firefighters, joined by crews from South Whatcom Fire Authority and Fire Districts 7 and 8, surrounded the complex with large hose streams to confine the fire. One of the buildings completely collapsed during the fire, while parts of the second structure remain standing. An excavator was called in the late morning to assist in debris removal so fire crews could completely extinguish the fire.
The fire did not extend to any additional structures beyond those involved before the arrival of fire units, and no civilians or firefighters were injured.
Sporadic electricity outages were experienced in the downtown area and traffic was interrupted on the railroad line along the waterfront. West Holly Street is expected to reopen to traffic in the afternoon.
The cause and origin of the fire is under investigation. Investigators will release a statement on cause and origin of the fire when known.
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Media Contact:
Andy Day, Assistant Chief
Bellingham Fire Department
360.778.8480
fire@cob.org
