By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

‘Flames were shooting high in the air’: Fire levels boat at Nanaimo marina

Nov 5, 2017 | 11:44 AM

NANAIMO — A boat undergoing repairs has been destroyed by a large fire and series of explosions at the Stones Marina Boatyard on Stewart Ave.

Nanaimo Fire Rescue chief Karen Fry told NanaimoNewsNOW their crews arrived on scene Saturday (Nov. 4) just after 9:20 p.m. to find flames shooting high in the air.

“We quickly made a rapid attack on it and evacuated Millers Landing Pub for safety reasons and a precautionary method, it’s only about five to 10 meters away from that building.”

Fry said there were no injuries reported to any bystanders or firefighters.

Fry said there were flames in enclosed and hidden compartments of the estimated 45-foot long boat, which their crews paid close attention to.

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She noted witnesses reported explosions going off during the fire.

“That could come from many things once the fire was going, compressed gas or air or canisters would definitely explode under going that kind of flame.”

Fry said there is no indication what caused the fire or if the renovations played a role.

She said a formal investigation will begin Monday and will involve interviews with witnesses and people working on the boat.

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