Downed power lines suspected cause of bus fire in Ferndale

FERNDALE, Wash. — Whatcom County Fire Marshal staff are investigating the cause of a fire that caused extensive damage inside a parked bus in an alley between Main Street and Vista Drive this afternoon.

First responders were dispatched to the alley shortly after 1pm today, October 13th, for a report of an outside fire. Neighbors reported hearing a loud explosion and losing power shortly before the arrival of emergency crews.

Whatcom County Fire District 7 firefighters attack a fire inside a parked bus (October 13, 2020). Video courtesy of WCFD7

Whatcom County Fire District 7 (WCFD7) Division Chief Ben Boyko said no one was inside the bus at the time of the fire.

Several lines, including power lines, could be seen strewn across the alley. Boyko said they had to battle the fire from outside due to at least one power line across the bus. High winds had been reported in the area with some gusts as high as 50mph.

There was 1 person residing in the bus and Red Cross was contacted to assist them, Boyko said.