Hohl Feed and Seed caught fire early Monday morning. // Photo by Zoe Deal
By Zoe Buchli
According to a statement released by the Bellingham Fire Department on Wednesday, Feb. 20, an investigative team has determined the fire at Hohl Feed and Seed that started early Monday morning was started under suspicious circumstances.
The team did not find any electrical or heat sources that could have started the fire at the site, the press release said.
“Without anything to indicate an accidental start to the fire, it is apparent that the fire was caused by a person,” the press release said.
Bellingham Police Department Public Information Officer Claudia Murphy said it is still being investigated whether the fire was an act of arson or was started by accident.
“The biggest issue right now is determining who did it, whether they are an arsonist or whether they are somebody who went back there to heat up something and the fire got out of control,” she said. “It’s a matter of getting input from the community or having somebody come forward who knows anything that’s going to further our investigation at this point.”
She said BPD’s main focus right now is gathering information about possible suspects.
According to the press release, a surveillance camera from a neighboring business shows a person in the area right before police were notified.
The press release asks anyone with information regarding who was in the alleyway at the time to contact Detective Kelsh at 360-778-8690 or the Bellingham Police Tip Line at 360-778-8611.
