Nearby: Potentially hazardous device closes several downtown Bellingham roads

Bellingham Police Department (BPD) barricaded off several streets in downtown Bellingham today, September 13th, after a suspicious package was reported.

BPD reported about noon they had closed a few streets in response to the potential threat.

Community Alert: Champion Street between State and Forest Streets is blocked off to traffic due to our Hazard Devices Unit checking on a suspicious package. Please avoid the area…that includes pedestrian traffic as well. Will advise when clear.#committedtocommunity #bp176 pic.twitter.com/FXmWV5tEI3— Bellingham Police (@BellinghamPD) September 13, 2019

Soon after they announced they had expanded the closed off area and that nearby buildings were being evacuated in preparation to “disrupt” the device in place.

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Buildings being evacuated as a safety precaution. The device will be disrupted in place by our Hazardous Devices Unit. We will attempt to alert right before, as it will be a very loud noise. DO NOT go into the red shaded area on map.

More to follow. #bp176 pic.twitter.com/DqIf8ZCqRG— Bellingham Police (@BellinghamPD) September 13, 2019

About 2pm, BPD said people nearby could expect to hear a loud noise as they used a controlled explosion to disarm the potential threat.

At around 3:15pm, BPD issued an “all clear” message.

Update: Situation resolved…..all streets are opening up to normal traffic. Thank you for your patience during this investigation.#bp176— Bellingham Police (@BellinghamPD) September 13, 2019

Updates and more details on this story can be expected via The Bellingham Herald’s coverage.