Multiple Nanaimo Fire Rescue engines responded to a home on Glenayr Dr. around noon on Friday with heavy smoke and flames spotted in front of a family home. (Chelsea Cavanagh/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

quick action

‘Could have been a lot worse:’ front door fire at Nanaimo home quickly doused

Feb 17, 2023 | 1:05 PM

NANAIMO — Crews made quick work of a fire apparently started outside the front door of a home in Nanaimo’s Departure Bay neighbourhood.

Nanaimo Fire Rescue were called to the home in the 2400 block of Glenayr Dr. just before noon on Friday, Feb. 17 after receiving reports of flames and heavy smoke coming from the home.

Capt. Brian Cripps said the fire appeared to have started on the bottom floor of a two-story family home and “could have been a lot worse” than just damage to the outside.

“We arrived on scene and there was smoke and flame in the front door exterior area. We quickly pulled a line and knocked it down. We went into the house to ensure everyone was out.”

Cripps said a passerby called 911, while smoke detectors went off inside to alert the homeowner.

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A witness to the incident said there was at least one woman at home at the time who managed to get herself and her dog out safely.

Fire caused considerable damage to the front entrance of a Glenayr Dr. Friday. (Chelsea Cavanagh/NanaimoNewsNOW)

Fire crews were able to get the fire under control in about half an hour with damage mainly limited to the outside.

“There’s some smoke damage inside, but hopefully it’ll get to be cleaned up pretty quickly but the occupant is going to have to stay out of the house for now until they can determine how much smoke is in there,” Cripps told NanaimoNewsNOW.

Cripps added fire prevention officers will be on scene over the weekend to determine an exact cause.

While multiple engines were paged out to the call, the fire occurred just across the road from Nanaimo Fire Hall #2.

Ongoing training had some crews out of the hall, however, they were fortunately nearby.

“Luckily we were just returning from some training, we were just coming down the highway, basically at Bowen Rd. and the highway when we got the incident so we were able to respond fairly quickly,” Cripps said.

Resources are managed to ensure continued quick response by other halls in the event training activities take crews to different parts of the city.

Fire damage was visible on the outside of the home as fire crews were able to quickly extinguish the flames. (Chelsea Cavanagh/NanaimoNewsNOW)

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