News & Information

The Bellingham School District wishes to thank the community for the outpouring of support that it has received since the early morning fire at Whatcom Middle School that has made the building uninhabitable for the foreseeable future. The cause of the fire, which was reported about 1 a.m., remains unknown at this time and there were no injuries.

"We extend our deepest gratitude to the City of Bellingham's Fire Department, Police Department and Whatcom Emergency Management and the American Red Cross for their incredible response," said Superintendent Sherrie Brown. "We have been moved by the outpouring of support from our community in such a short time period. The city, community organizations, non-profits, private businesses and individuals have contacted the district with offers of support ranging from space for meetings and offers to donate supplies. It is too early for us to be able determine all of our needs at the current time, but it is wonderful to feel so supported by this close-knit community."

District officials are currently meeting to explore an array of options for housing the school's 580 students and staff. The district is committed to getting Whatcom students and staff resettled and attending class again as soon as possible. We will share information as soon as it is available. Whatcom families and staff should visit www.bsd501.org or tune into local media for the latest updates.

School will remain cancelled for Whatcom Middle School students and staff only on Thursday, Nov. 5 and Friday, Nov. 6. Whatcom students and staff are asked not report to school today or tomorrow and please do not come to the Whatcom building. All other Bellingham schools are operating on time with regular schedules.

Access to the Whatcom facility is prohibited for safety reasons. Officials are asking people not to come to the facility to allow emergency officials to continue to respond.

 More information will be posted to the Web site at www.bsd501.org as soon as it is available.

For official details about the fire, please click here to visit the fire department's Web site.

Update Posted 11:20 a.m., Thursday, Nov. 5