Text Size:   A   A   A

Whatcom Middle School Fire Out, Investigation Begins




kgmi@kgmi.com

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.

PHOTOS: To see pictures of the fire, click here

Voters to Decide WTA Future on Spring Ballot


A tax increase proposal on April ballot

Local Activist Disputing County Funded Survey


Brett Bonner questions Whatcom Legacy Project poll results

Illegals Arrested in Mount Vernon Drug Sting


Six illegals were taken into custody on Tuesday

Two Drug Busts with Local Ties


Two unrelated drug charges tied to Whatcom County

High Winds Cause Changes to Lummi Ferry Crossing


Some inconvenient changes for the Whatcom Chief

22 Local Families to Participate in National Adoption Day


Whatcom County families finalizing adoptions today

New Wildlife Response Unit Unveiled


In the event of an oil spill a new plan has been presented

Agents Seize Methamphetamine From Two Men in Bellingham


Mandeep Gill, 32, of Bellingham and Avtar Singh Sidhu, 36, of Fresno, California, allegedly had more than five pounds of crystal meth worth up to $200,000 when agents arrested them

High Winds Knocked Out Power, Ferry Service on Lummi Island


The ferry dock on Lummi Island was damaged in the storm; a high wind warning remains in effect through midnight

WTA Holds Public Meeting To Decide Lesser of Two Evils


WTA spokesperson: two budget proposals include deep cuts in bus service - cuts could be avoided if voters approve a tax hike

Man Robbed At Knifepoint in Whatcom Falls Park


The victim told police several people approached him when one man in the group pulled out a knife and demanded cash

Three Men Arrested After Home Invasion on Eldrige Avenue


Bellingham Police: residents were in the home when they saw an intruder, who apparently entered through an unlocked door

Memorial For Whatcom County Soldier Today At Fort Lewis


Family, friends, soldiers and the Fort Lewis community are gathering at 3 p.m. to honor fallen Army Specialist Aaron Aamot

Shooter's Mom: Skagit Massacre Could Have Been Prevented


Denise Zamora: "We have to start using wisdom and doing the right things - we have to change the mental health laws"

Man Accused In Skagit County Massacre Pleads Guilty


Isaac Zamora entered pleas to 18 charges Tuesday after Prosecutor Rich Weyrich announced he would not seek the death penalty
KGMI News/Talk 790 on Facebook
Ad image