Western Washington University. Center for Pacific Northwest Studies

On June 10, 1999 a gas pipeline, operated by Olympic Pipe Line, burst and dumped almost 230,000 gallons of fuel into nearby Whatcom Creek in the heart of Bellingham, Washington. The fuel flowed 1 1/2 miles downstream before being accidentally ignited by two ten year old boys playing with fireworks near the creek. Wade King and Stephen Tsiorvas died the following day from severe burns. Eighteen year old flyfisherman, Liam Wood, also died along the creek due to fume inhalation and drowning. The fire burned for over an hour and sent a wall of smoke six miles high. In the aftermath of the disaster the community of Bellingham searched for ways to cope with the loss of the three victims and the severe burning of Whatcom Falls Park. The September 18, 1999 "Remembering Whatcom Creek" event, sponsored by the Center for Pacific Northwest Studies, was initiated in an attempt to assess the past and present state of Whatcom Creek as well as exploring its meaning to the local community. It was also hoped that the event could act as an outlet for individuals seeking to understand the tragedy that befell the community earlier in the summer.

From the guide to the Remembering Whatcom Creek Collection, 1979-1999, 1999, (Western Washington University Heritage Resources)

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