The Whatcom County Fire Marshal’s Office has ruled that a deadly apartment fire in Ferndale was accidental, following an investigation into the incident that tragically claimed two lives. The fire broke out on December 5, 2024, at approximately 7:04 a. m. , with fire crews arriving promptly to find flames on the second floor. Despite their rapid response, Kristine Gregory, 53, and Sierra Johnson, 26, died due to smoke inhalation, with Johnson later passing away at Harborview Medical Center.

The investigation revealed that the fire started in the living room when furniture was positioned too close to heated baseboards, highlighting a critical fire safety issue. The estimated financial loss from the fire has been assessed at around $200,000. Tiffany Honey, a fire inspector with the Fire Marshal’s office, emphasized the importance of maintaining safe distances between furniture and heat sources. This tragic incident serves as a crucial reminder for residents to prioritize fire safety in their homes. Such events can have profound impacts on the community, reinforcing the need for awareness and preventive measures.