Flames completely engulfed property in a lot at the corner of Albert St. and Prideaux St. late Wednesday evening. (Jordan Davidson/NanaimoNewsNOW & submitted photo)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

possible arson

VIDEO: Motorhome destroyed by fire near downtown Nanaimo

Mar 30, 2023 | 4:05 PM

NANAIMO — No reported injuries but a potential case of arson with a fire destroying a motorhome.

Flames broke out in the 600 block of Albert St., near Superette Foods, around 8:20 p.m. on Wednesday, March 29, with multiple Nanaimo Fire Rescue and other emergency service vehicles and personnel attending.

Reserve Cst. Gary O’Brien told NanaimoNewsNOW neighbours to the property called 911 as flames were spotted and potentially saw the person believed responsible for starting the fire.

“We received information that an individual was actually seen coming out of the motorhome and took off running. He was described as being 5’6 approximately, wearing a hat and an overcoat and appeared to be a caucasian male.”

He was last seen running down the rail line adjacent to Milton St.

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The lot in question sits on the corner of Albert St. and Prideaux St., with the fire just north of the rail line.

No surrounding homes or businesses were damaged by the fire.

Firefighters had flames out quickly, with assistant chief Stu Kenning saying two engines were initially deployed but once one was on scene, they were able to handle it comfortably.

City of Nanaimo community safety officers also attended the scene.

O’Brien said the file is now in the hands of the detachment’s general investigation unit and they continue to follow up on tips and information gathered Wednesday night.

He added it’s impossible to determine motive or whether this fire is linked to any others in the city.

“We are certainly looking at this and any other suspicious fires and seeing if there is a connection, but none has been established to date.”

If anyone has information on this incident, they’re asked to contact Nanaimo RCMP at 250 754 2345.

The site of the fire is approximately 50 metres north of Superette Foods, across the rail tracks. (Jordan Davidson/NanaimoNewsNOW)

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