BELLINGHAM, Wash. — Bellingham police say an arsonist may be targeting a business that serves people in need. Three mornings in a row last week someone has lit dumpsters and then a wall on fire behind the Bellingham Goodwill.
Hermina Lolkena had just finished a shopping spree there when we caught up with her. She told us she got a heck of a deal.
“This was $400,” gesturing to a cart packed full of bags.
She said anywhere other than Goodwill, and she couldn’t fill a cart for that bargain.
“Oh my goodness no, I wouldn’t even get sack for $400,” she explained.
When we told her someone had been setting fires behind the store she loves, she was immediately concerned.
“That’s scary. I would be devastated if we lost this store cause I shop here for everything,” Hermina said.
Bellingham police say an arsonist did some dirty work behind the Goodwill, which is in a strip mall with other businesses. Brian Copher, who works for the property manager, was frustrated to find the aftermath.
“Oh yeah because I have to pick it up. But the store owners are very concerned. They’re not quite sure what’s going on,” he told us.
Quite possibly the scariest about the incidents is the arsonist seems to be getting more brazen. It started with one dumpster fire last Wednesday morning, then another fire in a dumpster a little closer to the building, and finally the culprit used flammable material to start a fire against the actual building.
“We are probably going to have to replace this, and put a new plug in there,” explained Brian, pointing to the burned exterior wall and a hole where a sprinkler was. Fortunately it put out the fire first before it broke.
People who regularly make donations at this Goodwill said the incidents are unsettling.
“It’s Goodwill, they do good things,” said Brad Sherk, who just dropped off some furniture and video games.
Hermina does good things too. Her cart is full of clothes, but not for her; they’re for foster kids. Hermina needs Goodwill to do good will.
“I don’t shop retail stores—can’t afford that,” she concludes.
The property management told us they are adding more security cameras and lights behind the store, as well as 24-hour private security.
If you know anything about these arsons, contact the Bellingham Police Department.
KIRO
