CUSTER, Wash. — First responders were dispatched about 6am today, Wednesday, February 22nd, to the 2900 block of Arnie Road in Custer due to a report of a structure fire following reports of explosions.
North Whatcom Fire & Rescue Division Chief Shaun Ward told Whatcom News that firefighters arrived to find a coop with ducks and chickens, a detached garage with 2 vehicles and an unoccupied furnished annex building were all involved.
Wind gusts from the northeast were reaching speeds up to 40mph and temperatures were below freezing at the time of the fire. Error, group does not exist! Check your syntax! (ID: 11)
Tenders were utilized to provide water to the firefighting effort due to the absence of usable hydrants in the area. A ladder truck from Bellingham Fire Department also assisted in protecting a nearby residence.
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Ward said firefighters were able to fully extinguish the fires across the multiple buildings less than an hour after arrival. There were no injuries to civilians or firefighters but some chickens and ducks were lost.
All involved structures were considered total losses. The 2 vehicles parked in the garage were also considered total losses and could be seen to have been crushed when the structure collapsed.
The cause of the fire is under investigation by the Whatcom County Fire Marshal’s Office.
