Firework suspected cause of Bellingham vegetation fire that sent flames 30 feet in the air
Even though parts of Washington state have seen snow this week and many Bellingham residents had to scrape ice off their windshields Wednesday morning, it’s still dry enough for vegetation fires.
Proof came Tuesday evening when a fire, believed to have been started by fireworks, broke out in front of a Samish neighborhood home.
The Bellingham Fire Department was called at 9:21 p.m. April 12, to the 100 block of 44th Street for the report of an outside fire, according to the PulsePoint app.
Crews arrived to find a tree and an area approximately 20 feet by 20 feet in flames that were estimated to be 30 feet tall, spokesperson Dustin Michaelis told The Bellingham Herald.
The nearest house was approximately 20 feet away, Michaelis reported, and firefighters were able to extinguish the flames before it was damaged.
“Neighbors reported hearing a loud explosion and seeing a flash, which means it may have been a firework,” Michaelis said. “No vehicles were seen driving away and there was not evidence to prove it was a firework, though.”
Investigators were not called to the scene, Michaelis reported.
Despite the recent chilly temperatures in the region, Michaelis said Tuesday’s fire should serve as a reminder that there is always potential danger.
“We’ve had some of our biggest outside fires during the drier winter months,” Michaelis said. “It seems odd considering the recent weather we’ve had, but it goes to show how dry the area can be.”
