Nanaimo Fire Rescue crews knocked down a fire at a homeless encampment at Bowen Park on the morning of Tuesday, June 7. (Ian Holmes/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

fire

‘This fire would have been dramatically different a month from now:’ homeless encampment torched in Bowen Park

Jun 7, 2022 | 11:41 AM

NANAIMO — Wet conditions substantially aided fire crews after multiple propane tanks exploded, igniting a fire near the Millstone River.

Nanaimo Fire Rescue crews were called out to Bowen Park on Tuesday, June 7 around 9 a.m. in response to flames and heavy smoke rising in a heavily wooded area off the end of Sunderland Ave.

Cpt. Scott Mitrenga told NanaimoNewsNOW on scene the fire was contained to a small homeless encampment.

“We found two homeless camps side-by-side on fire, propane tanks were involved. Access to get the hose in and put the fire out was the biggest issue.”

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There are no known injuries as no occupants could be found, Mitrenga said.

Mitrenga emphasized wet conditions played a significant role in limiting damage to the park.

“Its a good thing that it’s the wet season right now, this fire would have been dramatically different a month from now when everything dries out.”

An area resident reported multiple loud propane tank explosions and a burst of flames shooting high into the air.

Crews initially responded to the hidden encampment off Townsite Rd. site, but ultimately reached the site from the other side of the river near Bowen Park’s duck pond.

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