BELLINGHAM, Wash. -- The fire that ravaged Whatcom Middle School is now out, and local fire crews are now turning their attention to what caused the blaze.
A team from the Bellingham Fire Department and Police Department will conduct the investigation.
There were no injuries related to the fire that destroyed the 106 year-old building.
Crews said the fire started on one side of the roof at about 1 a.m. Thursday and quickly spread across the entire top of the structure.
Fire Chief Bill Boyd said firefighters did a quick search of the school and found no one inside before they were forced to withdraw.
“We tried an initial attack on the fire to try to hold the fire to that area, but the fire spread so fast through the roof structure we had to withdraw our crews very shortly after arrival and went defensive on the fire,” he said.
Strong winds fanned the flames and Boyd says firefighters warned neighbors downwind to watch for firebrands.
The school had been undergoing a seismic retrofit.
“There were construction workers up there late last night that were doing some welding,” Bellingham Police Lt. Rick Sucee said Thursday.
The Bellingham School District is now looking for other class space for the 580 students and staff of the historic school.
District spokeswoman Tanya Rowe said there is definitely no school for Whatcom Middle School students Thursday or Friday.
“We have a team that’s dedicated and that’s working right now to develop a plan. Our superintendent is committed to getting our students resettled and attending class as soon as possible, and we’ll be exploring multiple options,” Rowe said.
Superintendent Sherrie Brown said the outpouring of support from the community has been deeply moving.
She said the city, community organizations, non-profits, private businesses and individuals have contacted the district with offers of support ranging from space for meetings and offers to donate supplies.
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