A local nonprofit is estimating its inventory was lost after an early morning fire broke out next to the building on Sunday, Dec. 29, 2024.
Ragfinery, located on North Forest Street, said in a statement that most of its inventory had been lost due to smoke and water damage. Most of the damage is concentrated in the front of the shop. Currently, the shop is closed and staff are figuring out how to move forward without a physical space.
Bellingham fire crews responded to a call of a commercial fire around 5:49 a.m. Sunday, said Dustin Michaelis, the public information officer at Bellingham Fire Department. The fire had started on the outside of the building and then the flames went up into the eaves of the building.
Once the flames had reached the attic space, it became a “stubborn” fire to put out, Michaelis said, because of the amount of debris in the area. It took crews nearly an hour to knock the fire down.
Building owner Ethan Potts said someone had been camping next to the building when their fire “must’ve gotten away from them.”
BFD is working with the Bellingham Police Department to investigate the fire. No update on the status of the investigation was given on Thursday, Jan. 2.
In the days since the fire, Ragfinery has raised more than $25,000 to pay staff through the end of January. Additional donations will be used to support baseline operations.
“We are deeply grateful for the overwhelming support and encouragement from our community,” Ragfinery said in a statement. “We know many of you want to mobilize and help Ragfinery get back on its feet. We will reach out when the time comes.”
The recovery process will be slow as both the owner and the nonprofit work through the insurance process, Ragfinery said in a statement.
Ragfinery is requesting people fill out volunteer intake forms on its website and the shop will reach out when it needs volunteers.
The nonprofit is also looking for businesses with space to hold workshops and to partner with potential fundraisers as it continues to navigate the challenges ahead.
“Together, we will create a future that honors our mission and values while exploring new possibilities for growth,” Ragfinery said.
Annie Todd is CDN’s criminal justice/enterprise reporter; reach her at annietodd@cascadiadaily.com; 360-922-3090 ext. 130.
