Bellingham house fire determined to be accidental; fundraiser started to support family

A fire that damaged a house in Bellingham’s Columbia Neighborhood on Friday afternoon started in the kitchen after a stove burner was unintentionally turned on, according to Bellingham Fire Department spokesperson Dustin Michaelis.

The fire at 2230 Victor Street was determined to be accidental. The burner caused items on top of the stove to ignite, Michaelis said in an email to The Bellingham Herald.

Fires in homes are most often caused by cooking accidents , smoking or unsafe use of wood stoves or space heaters, according to the Washington State Department of Health.

The fire caused some damage to the attic area but responding fire crews were able to keep the fire confined to the kitchen, where it started.

Multiple pets died in the fire but no people or firefighters were injured, Michaelis confirmed.

A GoFundMe campaign was launched to help support the family affected by the fire.

“Many in the community have asked how they can help, so we’ve created this GoFundMe to provide financial support for immediate needs, including clothing, baby needs and essentials,” the GoFundMe states.

By Monday morning the fundraiser had already raised close to $10,000.

“Thank you for coming together as a community and offering your love, generosity, and encouragement. Let’s help them take the first steps toward rebuilding their home and healing from this tragedy,” the GoFundMe states.