Fire has destroyed a single family home on Mill St. in downtown Nanaimo, with flames breaking out just after 9 a.m. on Wednesday morning. (Ian Holmes/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

quick spreading fire

Wood stove fire badly damages downtown Nanaimo home

Dec 18, 2024 | 10:22 AM

NANAIMO — A home along the banks of the Millstone River is severely damaged damaged following a fire believed to be caused by a wood stove.

Multiple calls to 911 came in on Wednesday, Dec. 18 around 9:15 a.m. after smoke and flames were seen coming from a Mill St. home, near the former Howard Johnson Hotel.

Nanaimo Fire Rescue assistant fire chief Troy Libbus said on scene access to the property was a challenge due in part to a long driveway from Mill St.

“Nanaimo Fire went right into a defensive attack, which is when we attack it from the outside. At this time [approximately 10:15 a.m.] we’re still dealing with the fire as we have some fire inside. We’re having issues gaining access but over time we’ll have this fire out.”

Smoke was clearly visible from not only neighbouring properties but also a considerable portion of south and central Nanaimo. (Ian Holmes/NanaimoNewsNOW)

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One person was at home at the time of the fire, which is believed to have been started by a wood stove which saw flames spread up the chimney and eventually into the home.

The occupant told NanaimoNewsNOW he’d rented at the property for 10 years and was uninjured from the fire.

Flames broke out as they were loading garbage into the wood stove, according to the renter.

Two cats also got out safely.

“There’s some heavy smoke damage going on right now and if we can’t gain access at this time there should be some damage inside,” Libbus added.

Libbus also said it took some time to run the appropriate hydrant lines so crews could attack the fire and prevent it from spreading.

“When we have a structure fire and it’s fully involved, we’re quite concerned about exposures, it could be other buildings or trees. We take that into consideration when the Captain does the size up and they apply water right away to stop the fire from leaving that structure and going onto any other structure.”

Fire Prevention Officers attended the scene and will look to determine the exact cause of the fire.

Libbus was unable to confirm whether it was the woodstove, but said regular servicing and annual cleaning of wood stoves and chimneys are essential in ensuring their safety.

Nanaimo Fire Rescue crews were quickly on scene, but could do little to stop flames from spreading considerably inside the home. (Ian Holmes/NanaimoNewsNOW)

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