Aftermath of an apparent case of arson at Living Forest Campground & RV Park in Nanaimo's Chase River area on Friday, June 21 at about 5:30 a.m. (Rob LIttlejohn)

By Ian Holmes

disturbing incident

‘It just seems reckless and stupid:’ fire damages south Nanaimo campground cafe

Jun 21, 2024 | 4:25 PM

NANAIMO — Just in time for the busy season, an apparent case of arson hit a popular cafe at a south Nanaimo campground.

The fire was reported early on Friday, June 21 at Living Forest Oceanside Campground & RV Park on Maki Rd.

“One of our customers noticed a fire in the corner of the building about 5:30 a.m. and called 911 and thankfully the fire department and the police responded very quickly and were able to get it put out before the whole building was badly damaged,” Living Forest owner Rob Littlejohn told NanaimoNewsNOW.

He said thankfully a fast response from Nanaimo Fire Rescue limited the damage to one corner of the cafe, resulting in a burned-out exterior, as well as interior damage.

Crews were busy fixing up the cafe, which ironically was opening later in the day for full-time summer hours.

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“Not the best thing to happen on the morning of your grand opening, but the show will go on,” Littlejohn said with a sarcastic chuckle.

Prior to the fire, on-site surveillance video based at the campground’s office near the entrance showed a man burning some kind of improvised device, according to Littlejohn.

“Could have been a shotgun shell, taped up with electricians’ tape, I just took it out of the way, called the police and they came and got it.”

That same man was seen on video cutting plants with a knife before leaving, he said.

The fires are under investigation by Nanaimo RCMP.

Littlejohn said their campground has never had a case of arson in its 30-year history, saying it’s unsettling with conditions quickly drying out.

“It’s certainly concerning to know that somebody came in and intentionally set a fire, it just seems reckless and stupid.”

Littlejohn said a seven-foot, soon-to-be installed front entrance gate will require a code for vehicular and pedestrian access.

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Ian.holmes@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @reporterholmes