A fast response from Parksville Fire Rescue limited the damage of a severe fire at a used car dealership just south of Parksville's downtown. (Image Credit: Submitted photo)

By NanaimoNewsNOW staff

up in flames

Fire heavily damages Parksville car dealership

May 2, 2026 | 6:06 AM

PARKSVILLE — Crews responded to a significant fire impacting a Parksville car dealership on Island Hwy. East.

Parksville Fire Rescue was called to Winchelsea Motors on the Highway at McVickers St. on Friday, May 1, at about 2:30 a.m., chief Marc Norris told NanaimoNewsNOW.

He said firefighters were met with heavy fire involvement on the building’s east side upon arrival.

The building was unoccupied at the time, Norris stated.

A volatile fire lit up the overnight sky in Parksville on Friday, May 1. (Image Credit: Parksville Fire Rescue)

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“The fire was controlled quickly, however overhaul and final extinguishment was slowed by areas of structural instability and collapse,” Norris stated.

Two two dozen Parksville Fire Rescue members responded to the scene.

Norris noted fire direct damage was reported to about half of the building, while heavy smoke and heat damage impacted the rest of the building.

A cause of the fire was not known as of late Friday afternoon, according to Norris.

Parksville Fire Rescue members attacking the blaze from the dealership’s roof. (Image Credit: Parksville Fire Rescue)

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by NanaimoNewsNOW staff

Fire heavily damages Parksville car dealership

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