6 Residents Displaced in Early Morning Fire on Nicol Street

NEWS RELEASE - Distributed April 9, 2015 11:08 AM

Summary

At approximately 12:46 AM on April 9th, Nanaimo Fire Rescue (NFR) crews attended a structure fire in the 200 block of Nicol St. Upon arrival, the crew experienced heavy smoke and fire from the rear of the house. RCMP were first on scene and had assisted occupants evacuate the building.

Crews controlled the fire which had extended to the second floor and attic area. Due to the age of the home the fire proved to be stubborn and crews were on scene for several hours. Six people resided in the home. All occupants had escaped the fire and were assisted by the City of Nanaimo Community Assistance Program with food shelter and personal items. One occupant was transported to NRGH with minor smoke inhalation.

Neither the building or the residents were insured and the home and contents were a total loss. NFR would like to remind residents of the importance of having renters insurance if you are a renter, and building insurance if you own the home as NFR continues to see people displaced and having to start over as they are not insured. In addition, smoke alarms were present in the building but not operating.

Fire investigators remain on scene this morning and the cause has not yet been determined.

Link to Strategic Plan: The City of Nanaimo is committed to Public Safety

Key Points

6 Residents were displaced and the building owner nor the tenants had insurance.
Smoke alarms were present but not operating.
Fire Crews continue the investigation into cause.

Quotes

"The investigation continues on the home. It appears to have started in an addition at the rear of the building and extended up the exterior of the home. The home is a total loss and 6 residents were displaced. There were smoke alarms present but none were operating. "

Alan Millbank

Fire Prevention Officer

Nanaimo Fire Rescue

-30-

Contact:

Alan Millbank

Fire Prevention Officer

Nanaimo Fire Rescue

250 668 2791

alan.millbank@nanaimo.ca

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