BELLINGHAM, Wash. — The historic Fairhaven Terminal Building is "extensively damaged and unstable" after an overnight fire broke out in Bellingham and one employee of an impacted business remains missing, according to fire officials.
Fire crews first responded to the 2-alarm fire at the Fairhaven Terminal Building on Harris Avenue around midnight. Bellingham Fire Department crews arrived at the scene as the building was fully engulfed in flames. Multiple fire crews battled the fire most of the night.
Bellingham Fire Chief Bill Hewett said one employee from one of the affected businesses is missing. No injuries or other missing individuals have been reported.
“This is a devastating tragedy right in the heart of Fairhaven,” Hewett said. “Our number one priority now is getting the building stabilized so we can conduct a thorough search. Until it is safe for our team to enter further into the structure, we cannot conduct a search for the missing individual or determine the cause of the fire.”
Bellingham fire said crews attempted to enter the building to search for anyone inside but the second floor started to collapse. The fire was under control around 3 a.m. and extinguished by 6 a.m.
The city said in a Facebook post that the building is extensively damaged and unstable. Authorities have fenced off the area. Fire investigators will determine the cause of the fire after they can safely enter the structure.
The city said it will update the community when it has more information.
The Fairhaven Terminal Building is home to the Harris Avenue Cafe and the Old Independent Coffeehouse, formerly known as Tony's Coffee. Dirty Dan Harris Steakhouse is also closed after receiving water damage.
According to the city, the building was built in 1888 and is the oldest surviving commercial structure on the south side of Bellingham.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
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