Plan Would Change Fire Safety Rules in Washington Town

A proposed new Bellingham, Wash., law in response to a fatal boathouse fire this past March would change some fire prevention rules.

The draft proposal would require smoke and heat vents in all boathouses, as well as automatic sprinkler systems.

The Bellingham Herald reports the ordinance was drafted by the city’s fire department after the fire that killed two people who weren’t able to escape from their 42-foot trawler. Jim Langei and his wife, Sterling Taylor, lived aboard the boat, which was inside a 12,000-square-foot boathouse. The fire destroyed 12 boats.

Fire officials plan to bring their proposal to the City Council for consideration on Sept. 10.

After the fire, city and Port of Bellingham officials met to explore changes to address fire safety.