Searchers located a deceased individual today (December 26, 2023) in the Fairhaven Terminal Building, as work continued to dismantle and search the heavily damaged structure. A fire on Saturday, December 16, destroyed the historic building, and one person remains unaccounted for in connection with the fire.
Bellingham Fire Chief Bill Hewett said the investigation team working at the scene at 1101 Harris Avenue was able to enter the building on Saturday, December 23, after crews with heavy equipment removed additional debris. That search continued this morning, December 26, and during today’s search they located a deceased individual. Investigators immediately notified the Whatcom County Medical Examiner, who responded to the scene and removed the body for identification and further examination.
While investigators were able to make a preliminary identification, Hewett said, confirmation will need to occur by the Medical Examiner’s Office before the identity will be released.
Hewett said the investigation team will continue searching the building to determine the origin and cause of the fire. That process will take some time and the Bellingham Fire Department will provide additional updates when new information becomes available. No cause has been identified at this time.
“Methodical, time-consuming processes to safely search the building, locate and identify any victims, and determine the cause of the fire are necessary but understandably difficult for everyone involved,” Hewett said. “We appreciate everyone’s patience and understanding. The protocols followed in these circumstances protect the safety of search teams and the public, preserve the sanctity of the scene for the ongoing investigation, and provide as much compassion to family members as possible during this difficult time.”
For more details about the fire, see the original December 17 news release as well as the December 18 update and December 19 update.
