A family was forced from their Nanaimo home following a recent fire in which heat was generated from batteries being charged. (Ian Holmes/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By Ian Holmes

Battery fire

Battery-charging mishap ignites fire in Nanaimo home

May 19, 2025 | 5:36 AM

NANAIMO — Charging batteries to get heated vests and chairs primed for a camping trip led to a notable fire in the bedroom of a Nanaimo home.

Reported on the afternoon of Tuesday, May 13 in Nanaimo’s Westwood Lake area, the blaze displaced a family of three, according to Nanaimo Fire Rescue after smoke was seen rising from the home.

Nanaimo Fire Rescue (NFR) deputy chief Stuart Kenning said this incident underscores the importance of safe charging practices.

“Use the original charger, avoid fake chargers or trying to adapt your charger,” Kenning said, who noted widely used Lithium-ion batteries were used in this case.

Other tips include avoiding over-charging, unplug when a device is fully charged, don’t charge overnight, or use damaged or frayed charging cables, Kenning said.

above and beyond

Long-time Qualicum Beach volunteer awarded for lifetime of giving back

3h ago

shine bright

New downtown Nanaimo art installation creating a sensory experience

5h ago

One Goal Short

Clippers lose game of lead changes in Cowichan Valley

13h ago

The home was unoccupied at the time.

“Accidents happen, we recommend that you try to charge safely and try to be there when you’re doing it,” Kenning said.

NFR captain and chief fire prevention officer Alan Millbank investigated the incident, which saw the fire contained to a rear upstairs bedroom.

His preventative safety messaging included not placing charged items on top of each other.

“Charging devices generate heat and should be kept away from other heat sources and readily combustible material such as paper and synthetic materials,” Millbank relayed in an emailed statement.

He noted the impacted family is insured.

We’re on Bluesky! Stay up to date on news across central Vancouver Island through Bluesky, by following @NanaimoNewsNOW.bsky.social.

info@nanaimonewsnow.com

Follow us on: Twitter (X) | Bluesky | Facebook