No cause determined in Harris Avenue fire after four-month investigation, Outside fire near Ferndale apartments draws large response, Multi-vehicle crash impacted Bellingham evening commute, Swipe Out Hunger Program will not be returning to Western’s dining halls, WA high-capacity magazine ban in court once more, with ruling to come, Free and Cheap
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Independent, nonprofit community radio.
KMRE brings you local news for Friday, April 19. Good afternoon, I’m _David Korb_____.
STORY: No cause determined in Harris Avenue fire after four-month investigation
No cause has been determined in the fatal December 16th fire that took the life of 39-year old Nathaniel Breaux (BRO) and destroyed the Terminal Building in Fairhaven.
The final report on the investigation into the cause of the blaze was released yesterday by the Bellingham Fire Department. It was determined that the fire started on the cafe side of the building near the kitchen and serving area. Breaux, who owned two businesses located in the building, hosted a party that night and stayed late to clean up. Bellingham Fire Chief Bill Hewett said that due to the amount of damage from the fire they were not able to determine the point of origin or cause.
The 135 year old building had no fire alarm, sprinkler, or smoke detector systems. It was equipped with a compliant fire suppression system in the kitchen; however, investigators found it had not been used.
The fire caused $1.5 million in property damage and $200 thousand in content loss. The Terminal Building, built in 1888, was the third historic building in Whatcom County lost to fire in the last four years.
Breaux’s family created a GoFundMe to name a mountain bike trail at Galbraith Mountain in Breaux’s honor. To date, the fund has raised $25 thousand dollars.
STORY: Outside fire near Ferndale apartments draws large response
An outside fire in Ferndale prompted a large response from first responders on Wednesday.
Fire crews were dispatched to the west end of Cherry Street at around 6:30pm to find a 300-square-foot fire. In a recent release, Whatcom County Fire District 7 Assistant Chief Ben Boyko said first responders found high flames coming from bushes that were threatening nearby trees, with winds pushing the fire close to some apartment buildings. No damage to buildings was found.
Ferndale Police have not determined the cause and no charges or citations were issued.
STORY: Multi-vehicle crash impacted Bellingham evening commute
A multi-vehicle crash caused a three-and-a-half-mile traffic jam on Interstate 5 last night.
The crash occurred at around 4:30pm in the northbound lanes, near the Iowa-State Street exit. Within ten minutes, the State Patrol was at the scene, with the Bellingham Fire Department arriving not long after. By 5pm, traffic was backed up south of the Old Fairhaven Parkway exit. All lanes were reopened by 6:45pm.
Initial reports are that five vehicles were involved in the collision, with
one having left the scene.
STORY: Swipe Out Hunger Program will not be returning to Western’s dining halls
A program at Western Washington University aimed at addressing food insecurity among students is being discontinued.
Swipe Out Hunger was started by Western’s previous dining hall provider, Aramark and allowed students to donate unused meal vouchers for those who were hungry. Reporting from the Western Front says that under Aramark, over 2,000 vouchers were donated. However, the current provider, Chartwells, has opted to discontinue the program, instead offering 150 vouchers to Western’s Basic Needs department.
Chartwells says it is exploring other options.
STORY: WA high-capacity magazine ban in court once more, with ruling to come
Washington State Supreme Court commissioner, Michael Johnston, will decide whether to uphold the state’s ban on high-capacity magazines while the Court considers an appeal.
The ban, passed in 2022, was deemed unconstitutional by a Cowlitz county judge last week, citing a lack of historical precedent. However, the ban was temporarily reinstated after a stay was issued by the Commissioner. He will now decide whether to allow the case to come before the highest court in Washington.
During oral arguments, Johnston challenged statements from both sides, and questioned the necessity of high-capacity magazines for self-defense. The decision to maintain the stay seems likely, with the commissioner expressing skepticism about the lower court ruling and emphasizing the importance of firearm regulation consistent with historical tradition. Johnston, who identifies himself as a gun enthusiast, explained his decision was influenced by the chaotic aftermath of a similar ruling in California.
The decision is expected soon.
STORY: Free and Cheap
Here are some free or cheap events happening around the county this weekend:
Tomorrow, Lynden Christian High School is hosting an Artisan & Vendor Market from 8 to 3pm. The market features over 60 local artisans, crafters, and other vendors.
From 8:30 to 10:30am on Saturday, there is a free birding event at Whatcom Falls Park. The walk will follow paths and trails at the park, guided by a trip leader. Admission is free and registration is available on the North Cascades Audubon Society website.
For something indoors, the Whatcom Museum is hosting a Family Activity Day in celebration of Earth Day. From noon to 4 pm on Saturday, the event will host crafts, animal photography exhibitions, and the Reptile Lady. Admission is reduced to 3 dollars.
WX: Sun
Your Whatcom County weather – the forecast is sun! Today’s high will be 67 degrees, with clear skies overnight and a low of 43. Unfortunately, the sun will be replaced with clouds and rain this weekend… showers coming late tomorrow. Enjoy it while you can.
OUTRO:
Today’s newscast was produced by volunteers AnThu Nguyen (ANNE-two new-WIN), Carlos Braga, Connor O’Boyle, Jayne Kuhlman, Kye Salinas (KEY suh-LEE-nus) and Tristan Trudell. Tune in to local news on KMRE weekdays at 3, 4 and 5 p-m. For news tips and feedback, send us an email at news@kmre.org or call 360-398-6150. KMRE is a nonprofit community radio station, powered by listener donations. Check out our Patreon page or visit kmre.org and click on the banner. I’m ___ David Korb _____________… thanks for listening.
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