Flames coming from a trash can, outside a downtown Nanaimo A&W Restaurant early on Tuesday, Aug. 4. (Image Credit: Kevan Shaw)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

investigation continues

Downtown Nanaimo building damaged after garbage can set alight

Aug 4, 2026 | 9:57 AM

NANAIMO — Quick response by witnesses, and responding fire crews, limited damage from an apparent act of arson.

Fire Rescue crews were called to the A&W Restaurant on Victoria Cres., near Esplanade, on Tuesday, Aug. 4 around 4:30 a.m. after a garbage bin outside the business was set on fire, resulting in flames shooting up the outside of the building.

“Crews were able to put it out quickly, however it had led to some smoke in the building,” said Jodi Le Masurier, Nanaimo Fire Rescue deputy chief. “[Island Health] food services were contacted, and they decided to close the A&W due to smoke in the food preparation area.”

The bin was immediately next to a cage with exchangeable propane tanks inside.

Damage to the outside of the building. (Image Credit: Dave Lawrence)

serious incident

Highway closure south of Nanaimo after two-vehicle crash

6m ago

investigation continues

Downtown Nanaimo building damaged after garbage can set alight

1h ago

fishing fine

Commercial fisherman fined $30,000 for 2023 incidents off Nanaimo's coast

5h ago

An exact cause of the fire remains under investigation.

Nanaimo RCMP Res. Cst. Gary O’Brien said officers on scene were mainly used for traffic control, however they’ll spend Tuesday sourcing security camera footage from the area, and no suspects have been identified so far.

It’s not the first situation of a garbage can being set on fire.

Kevan Shaw of the Nanaimo Area Public Safety Association said the situation could have been much worse.

“At all hours of the day and night, people are seen rummaging through the garbage cans left outside the restaurant and gas station. Garbage cans have been set on fire here before, but this is the worst fire damage so far”.

Damage to the building was largely limited to the exterior between both the A&W and a neighbouring convenience store. (Image Credit: Kevan Shaw)

Follow us on Facebook. Join Everything Nanaimo on Facebook and stay connected with everything happening on central Vancouver Island.

info@nanaimonewsnow.com

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

by NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

Downtown Nanaimo building damaged after garbage can set alight

More Local News