Smoke was visible from a home along Estevan Rd. around Noon on Wednesday, Sept. 22, drawing a significant response from Nanaimo Fire Rescue. (Ian Holmes/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

ON FIRE

Nanaimo City workers rescue elderly couple from Estevan Rd. house fire

Sep 22, 2021 | 1:28 PM

NANAIMO — City of Nanaimo crews conducting road work nearby leapt into action and helped an elderly couple escape an afternoon house fire.

Multiple Nanaimo Fire Rescue units were called to the 1900 block of Estevan Rd. just before 12:30 p.m on Wednesday, Sept. 22, when reports came in of heavy smoke and visible flames.

Capt. Terrence Horst from Nanaimo Fire Rescue said the couple were in the driveway when his crews arrived on scene.

“Three city workers actually went in and helped get them out before we arrived and the two elderly people were in the driveway. They were working here and decided to jump in and help out.”

The workers were treated with oxygen on scene. No other injuries were reported.

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Horst said it’s believed a cedar sauna on the back deck of the home triggered the fire and caused significant damage to the deck and portions of the roof.

Smoke and water damage was also sustained inside the house.

Horst said he wasn’t sure whether the sauna was on at the time and an investigation will determine the exact cause.

Neighbour Michelle Bowen called 911 when she spotted flames were visibly shooting out the back of the upper floor of the home, where a couple and their dog live.

“I saw the smoke and then I heard someone yelling to get out of the house so then I saw flames and called 911,” Bowen told NanaimoNewsNOW. “It was terrifying because it’s an elderly couple.”

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