The Bellingham Fire Department is investigating the fire that caused extensive damage to an apartment on Carolina Street Tuesday, July 13, but likely won't be able to determine its cause.

The fire began burning on the deck of the apartment, part of the Fairfield Apartments, said Marty Kink, an inspector with the department.

While the deck had several possible igniters on it, the damage was too severe to determine which caused the fire, Kink said.

The Mt. Baker Chapter of the American Red Cross is assisting four families displaced by the fire. The fire destroyed the apartment it started in and caused damage to three others in the complex. The Red Cross is providing the families comfort kits and money to pay for basic needs and motel rooms.

Reach PETER JENSEN at peter.jensen@bellinghamherald.com or call 360-715-2264.