Authorities seeking information regarding arson at a Ferndale park picnic shelter

Whatcom County authorities are investigating a fire at a Ferndale park that left a shelter badly burned.

Officers responded to a report of a fire around 2 a.m. Dec. 27 at the Star Park picnic shelter in the 5400 block of Ferndale Road.

Members of the Ferndale Police Department and the Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office arrived to find a trash can attached to the shelter engulfed in flames, according to a Ferndale police news release. They used a fire extinguisher to smother the fire and prevent further damage.

They also discovered a nearby bathroom facility was damaged.

Authorities say evidence suggests the fire was started intentionally.

Officers conducted a K-9 and unmanned aerial vehicle search for possible suspects with assistance of the sheriff’s office and the Bellingham Police Department. No suspects were located.

The cost of damage is estimated at $5,000. The picnic shelter is closed for the time being.

Anyone with information regarding the incident is encouraged to contact the Ferndale Police Department at 360-384-3390 or contact@ferndalepd.org and reference Arson Case # 23F9950.

This story was originally published January 2, 2024 at 12:00 PM.