Nanaimo Fire Rescue responded to Petro Can gas station at the corner of Norwell Dr. and Departure Bay Rd. on Saturday, May 2. (Alex Rawnsley/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By Kyle Ireland

GAS STATION FIRE

Flare shot into Nanaimo gas station triggers Saturday night fire

May 3, 2020 | 11:24 AM

NANAIMO — Local RCMP are looking for two 16 year olds after a flare was used to start a fire at a Nanaimo gas station on Saturday, May 2.

Cst. Gary O’Brien told NanaimoNewsNOW the incident happened just after 9:00 p.m. at the Circle K Convenience Store and Gas Station on Departure Bay Rd.

“The two youths went to leave the store without paying and just before they left the store they fired a single tube flare at the direction of the clerk,” O’Brien said.

The flare narrowly missed the clerk but it did ignite merchandise and caused a fire which resulted in extensive damage at the store.

Nanaimo Fire Rescue crews were quickly on scene to put out the fire, however O’Brien estimated damage in the thousands of dollars.

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The fire was contained to store area only, the gas pumps were not impacted.

Police have identified the suspects from video surveillance and say they are well known to police.

“Neither has been located at this point and the investigation continues,” O’Brien said.

Owners of the store expect to be closed for the next four to five days.

–with files from Alex Rawnsley

kyle.ireland@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @kyle_ireland31