Fire was spreading toward a fireworks stand when firefighters happened by

Whatcom County Fire District 7 firefighters and aid units were on their way to assist with a residential structure fire on Lena Road near Gooseberry Point this afternoon when they came upon a grass fire heading toward a fireworks stand.

Suspected to have been caused by fireworks, the nearly 1-acre grass fire across Haxton Way from the Silver Reef Casino was kept from reaching the fireworks stand by WCFD7 crews assisted by North Whatcom Fire and Rescue and Department of Natural Resources crews according to WCFD7 Fire Chief Larry Hoffman.

The grass fire took about an hour and approximately 20 firefighters to control, Hoffman said.

Hoffman pointed out, “This incident should serve as a great reminder for people to be careful during these hot, dry and windy (approximately 15mph winds today out there) days. Things that look small and ‘in control’ can quickly become bigger and move fast when it comes to fires.”