Bellingham firefighters extinguish a residential fire in the 3000 block of Walnut Street on July 6 after flames spread from a detached garage to a home and a neighboring garage. One resident suffered a minor injury. (Photo: Bellingham Fire Department)
BELLINGHAM, Wash. — A fire that started in a detached garage spread quickly to a nearby home and a neighboring garage Monday afternoon, destroying both outbuildings and leaving one resident with a minor injury, according to the Bellingham Fire Department.
Firefighters responded at about 1:26 p.m. Monday, July 6, to the 3000 block of Walnut Street after multiple reports of a residential structure fire.
Engine 1 arrived first and found flames consuming a detached garage. The fire had already spread to the main residence and a detached garage on a neighboring property.
Firefighters immediately launched an aggressive attack on the blaze. Their quick response stopped the fire before it could spread beyond the three affected structures.
As crews battled the fire, additional firefighters searched each building to confirm everyone had escaped safely. They accounted for all occupants, and no one remained inside the structures.
One resident suffered a minor injury. Fire officials did not release additional information about the nature of the injury.
Fire Heavily Damages Home
The fire destroyed both detached garages and caused heavy damage to the Walnut Street home.
Investigators believe the fire started in a wood-burning stove inside the detached garage before spreading to the nearby structures.
The cause remains under investigation, although fire officials said the wood stove is the suspected point of origin.
The incident serves as a reminder that heat-producing appliances in garages and outbuildings can pose a significant fire risk if they are not properly installed, maintained and operated.
The Bellingham Fire Department did not report any firefighter injuries.
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