Early morning structure fire damages three homes

Summary

At 2:00 this morning, Nanaimo Fire Rescue crews responded to a structure fire in the 1000 block of Southwood Dr. Upon their arrival, the house was fully involved in fire it had begun to spread to the home next door. The house where the fire started is a total loss, the neighbouring home suffered extensive structural damage and may also be a loss. A third house next door received exterior damage due to high winds blowing embers and from the intensity of this very large, hot fire.

All occupants were able to escape and there were no injuries to civilians or firefighters. Community Assistance Program volunteers assisted the occupants and six people have been displaced to this point.

City of Nanaimo Engineering and Public Works staff attended and set up equipment to control debris in the water runoff. BC Ambulance and RCMP were also in attendance assisting with this significant fire.

Crews remain on scene at this time as the incident enters the final stages. Fire Investigators are also on scene and have started their investigation but it is too early to determine the exact cause.

Link to Strategic Plan: The City of Nanaimo is committed to public safety.

Key Points

  • Fully involved structure fire causes damage to three homes.
  • All occupants were able to escape and there were no injuries.
  • Hot dry weather added challenges as NFR crews managed flying embers and operated in high temperature conditions.

Quotes

"This was a very intense fire that spread very rapidly to the neighbouring homes. The hot, dry weather and windy conditions had us very concerned that flying embers could spread the fire further. "

Assistant Chief of Operations
Nanaimo Fire Rescue
-30-

Contact:

Ennis Mond
Chief Fire Prevention Officer
Nanaimo Fire Rescue
250-755-4563

Print News Release

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