RCMP officers on scene Sunday called the area an 'active crime scene" and were continuing to investigate the circumstances of an overnight fire. (Jordan Davidson/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

fatal fire

Body found inside abandoned Nanaimo building following fire

Mar 27, 2023 | 12:04 PM

NANAIMO — One person is dead after a fire at the former Caledonian Clinic in the city’s downtown.

An RCMP officer on patrol, along with neighbours reported flames from the abandoned, boarded up and fenced off building on the corner of Campbell and Wallace streets around midnight on Sunday, March 26.

Nanaimo Fire Rescue crews quickly doused the flames.

RCMP Res. Cst. Gary O’Brien said their local detachment assumed control of the investigation when firefighters discovered a body inside on the first floor.

“Fire crews, along with our investigators have gone in and they’re looking for causative factors. At this time while it’s only preliminary, we believe foul play is not suspected in the death of this person.”

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Two people outside were on scene when crews arrived and were treated for smoke inhalation.

O’Brien was unable to say whether the victim was a man or woman, or their approximate age. He added “several individuals” appeared to be staying in the building.

“It looks like they were camping inside and something happened that started the fire and it got out of control.”

The BC Coroners Service is investigating alongside RCMP, with the property still secured and investigators on scene.

Closed for several years, the property has seen repeated incidents involving squatters and fire.

A January 2023, a small fire filled the building with smoke with a person on scene telling responding firefighters a person may be stuck inside however no-one was ever located.

Permits are in place for the building’s demolition, to make way for a 163-unit apartment complex.

Considerable damage was left inside as a result of the fire and firefighting efforts Sunday morning. (Jordan Davidson/NanaimoNewsNOW)

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