‘More than just a building’: Community reacts to tragic Fairhaven fire; how you can help

Alyse Smith
·2 min read

Bellingham’s Fairhaven neighborhood suffered from a heartbreaking early-morning fire Sunday, Dec. 17. The fire decimated the historic Terminal building that housed Harris Avenue Cafe and The Old Independent Coffeehouse.

A building that was home to Harris Avenue Cafe and the Old Independent Coffee House in Fairhaven was destroyed by fire.
A building that was home to Harris Avenue Cafe and the Old Independent Coffee House in Fairhaven was destroyed by fire.

The fire investigation continues and one business owner remains missing, according to previous reporting by The Bellingham Herald.

Members of the Whatcom County community responded widely on social media, sharing memories of the businesses and establishing fundraisers for those affected.

Community members commented on a Facebook post by the city of Bellingham announcing the devastating fire:

“It hits hard when things like this happen to our beloved historic Fairhaven landmarks,” one Facebook user commented.

“More than just a building. You could hear it tell stories of its past just walking by it. How many stories collected through history could it have had? Life, loss, victories, defeats, quiet days and nights,” another user wrote.

“Oh no. I have decades of memories there,” another Facebook user wrote.

How to help those affected by the Fairhaven fire

Local businesses and community members are also giving away food or accepting donations to help those who are affected. Here’s how you can help:

▪ Donate to a GoFundMe online fundraiser, that is raising money for employees of the Harris Avenue Cafe and The Old Independent Coffeehouse. The fundraiser has a goal of $70,000 and has raised $23,538 as of the morning of Dec. 18.

▪ A GoFundMe fundraiser has been started to help employees of the Dirty Dan Harris Steakhouse who cannot work due to the fire. The fundraiser has a goal of $2,500 and has not had any donations as of the morning of Dec. 18.

▪ The Fairhaven Association is collecting gift cards for those affected by the fire. The association recommends gift cards for grocery stores or other essential businesses, or VISA gift cards for $25. Gift cards can be dropped off at 1106 Harris Ave. inside Finnegan’s Alley from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 19, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dec. 20, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dec. 21, and 9 a.m. to noon Dec. 22.

▪ Ovn Wood Fired Pizza is offering free pizzas for those affected by the fire. Visit the restaurant or call 360-393-4327 to order. Ovn Wood Fired Pizza is at 1148 10th St. in Fairhaven.

▪ El Suenito Brewing Company is offering free meals to those affected by the fire. “If you have been directly impacted by the fire, you can use our free meal program. This gets you a free one tamale plate. Visit our taproom and just let our staff know you’re one of those affected by the fire and we will get you a meal on us. No questions asked,” the brewery posted on Facebook.

Do you have a memory you’d like to share of Harris Avenue Cafe or The Old Independent Coffeehouse? Email asmith@bellinghamherald.com.