FERNDALE, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – Police say no credible threat has been identified after a report of a bomb threat forced an evacuation at Ferndale High School.

The Ferndale School District and Ferndale Police Department confirmed in a joint statement on Thursday, Oct. 3, that they received an anonymous report of a potential bomb threat at the school.

Parents were notified of the evacuation around 12:15 p.m. The threat caused campus to close and canceled all extra-curricular activities for the day.

Both the police department and school district note that the incident may be related to the nationwide “swatting” trend. That’s where someone falsely reports a serious emergency in an attempt to spread disruption and fear.

Still, both agencies say that it won’t be known whether the report was a swatting incident until the investigation is complete.

The Ferndale School District, Ferndale Police Department and the city all say they’re “closely monitoring” the situation. The district adds that additional counselors are being made available to any students or staff that may need support following the incident.

Anyone with additional questions is being told to contact the school district or the City of Ferndale.

 

MyBellinghamNow.com will publish updates with more information as the story develops. Last updated: 6:20 p.m.