Nanaimo Fire Rescue crews dealt with an intense structure fire at a central Nanaimo doctor's office early on Sunday, May 16. (Kyle Ireland/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

Blaze

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May 16, 2021 | 9:02 AM

NANAIMO — Extensive damage was caused by fire at a local doctors office.

Fire Rescue crews were called to the corner of Victoria Ave. and 104th St. around 7:30 a.m. on Sunday, May 16, finding the building alight with a thick plume of smoke visible.

Deputy Fire Chief Geoff Whiting told NanaimoNewsNOW the blaze was stubborn, which made it tougher to attack.

“As soon as crews arrived on scene, they realized the fire was in the attic which made it difficult to access. At first it wasn’t safe to go inside the building so it was an exterior attack.”

Six vehicles responded to the fire, including two ladder trucks, with approximately 16 firefighters on scene.

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“The fire was pretty labour intensive, we’re still hitting hot spots and some crews will remain on scene for a good part of the day.”

The smell of smoke stemming from the fire was reported throughout central Nanaimo.

The intersection of Victoria Ave. and 104th St. was closed to allow crews the appropriate room to work.

No injuries were reported and the building as vacant at the time. It is the workplace for several physicians in the city as part of a full scope family practice.

Nanaimo Fire Rescue reported the cause of the fire was electrical, but didn’t have specifics beyond that.

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