BELLINGHAM, Wash. – Whatcom County had one of the highest rates of fire-related fatalities in Washington state in 2022.

New data from the state Fire Marshall states that seven deaths were reported between January and September.

The Bellingham Herald reports four people died in fires in Bellingham.

One person was killed in a car accident, while three others died in house or tent fires.

And three people were lost in two separate mobile home fires in Ferndale and Blaine.

Only King County had the same number of deaths occur during that time.

Statewide, the number of people killed in fires decreased by 21% compared to 2021.