Flames and significant volumes of smoke rose above the south Nanaimo area following a significant structure fire. (Jordan Davidson/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By Ian Holmes

serious fire

Occupant missing following severe south Nanaimo house fire

Nov 20, 2024 | 3:15 PM

NANAIMO — Police believe a person living in a south-end home where an early morning fire broke out may still be inside.

The fire at 1019 Old Victoria Rd. was reported on Wednesday, Nov. 20 just after 5 a.m., with flames and thick smoke seen shooting from the home just south of McKenzie Rd.

Nanaimo RCMP Res. Cst. Gary O’Brien said witnesses spotted the fire and called 911.

“They also saw a person who they believed to be residing at that home re-enter the home shortly after the fire broke out and that person is unaccounted for.”

As of mid-Wednesday afternoon, O’Brien said the fire had not been fully extinguished.

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He said firefighters had not been able to physically enter to home due to unsafe conditions, including a collapsed roof.

“Out of privacy we’re not releasing any information on who that person is at this time, but if they have information please call our non-emergency line (250-754-2345).”

– with files from Jordan Davidson

Mutiple fire crews battled the Old Victoria Rd. residential fire on Wednesday, Nov 20. (Jordan Davidson/NanaimoNewsNOW)

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ian.holmes@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @reporterholmes