Fire crews were called to a large tent encampment on Wesley St. after several propane tanks reportedly caught fire. (Spencer Sterritt/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

street fire

Tent fire breaks out at Wesley St. in downtown Nanaimo

Dec 3, 2020 | 12:40 PM

NANAIMO — A significant fire broke out among a growing homeless encampment in downtown Nanaimo.

Nanaimo Fire Rescue were called to the Wesley St. encampment scene around 12:15 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 3 after reports of multiple tents being on fire. Smoke was clearly visible from the surrounding area.

Deputy chief Tim Doyle told reporters a fire inside a tent spread to other tents and caused propane tanks to explode.

“We have a lot of tents in close proximity using alternative heating services with the weather getting cooler and wetter. These dangerous conditions will persist as long as those (weather) conditions persist.”

Witnesses had told NanaimoNewsNOW they heard several loud booms as the tanks exploded in the close-knit camp.

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There were no apparent injuries.

One man was taken away from the scene by Nanaimo RCMP.

Doyle said they estimate 60 people live on Wesley St. Those who live there have said it’s upwards of 100.

“We’ve already had multiples fire in there in recent times and when they do occur they’re very dangerous conditions for residents and the neighbourhood,” Doyle said.

A fire safety order was issued for the sprawling tent city on Oct. 15, instructing people to remove tarps and other flammable materials.

City crews enforced the order for the first time a week later, clearing out several tents and a significant number of items.

Wesley St. is now blocked off and those who were living there are being moved elsewhere.

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