Teens sentenced in Lynden's Delft Square fire

A 14-year-old boy convicted of starting the fire that destroyed Lynden's Delft Square building was sentenced in Whatcom County Juvenile Court Thursday.

The teen was sentenced to 40 days in juvenile detention, 20 days on work crew, two years of probation and 300 hours of community service, and must complete a drug-and-alcohol evaluation.

His 13-year-old friend, who also was convicted of starting the fire, received a similar sentence Aug. 28. Both pleaded guilty to burglary and reckless burning charges.

A hearing for restitution for damages — now estimated to be more than $2.2 million — is set for Nov. 14.

Delft Square was the former home of the legendary Lynden Department Store, which operated there for 75 years before closing in 1979. The June 9 fire forced out all businesses that occupied the landmark building.

Both boys have expressed regret in court for causing the fire.

"Please know I am very sorry for what I have done," the 14-year-old said in court Thursday. "I hope that one day (the people of Lynden) can forgive me for what I've done."

While the boys received similar sentences, each will serve his differently.

The 13-year-old had served 36 days in detention by the time he was sentenced and has 24 days left to serve.

The 14-year-old served one day in detention before he was released, so he will spend 39 days in detention and 20 days on work crew.

He has completed 75 hours of community service since the fire, said his attorney, Jeff Lustick. Juvenile Court Probation will review those hours to determine whether they can count as credit toward the 300 hours he was sentenced to complete.

In sentencing the boys, Commissioner Thomas Verge rejected a lesser sentence that their attorneys and Whatcom County Deputy Prosecutor Dave Freeman recommended.