A family home in rural Extension, south of Nanaimo, was completely destroyed by fire on Tuesday, March 28. (Jordan Davidson/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

HOUSE FIRE

VIDEO: Extension home completely destroyed by fire, smoke visible from Nanaimo

Mar 28, 2023 | 10:53 AM

EXTENSION — Fire has completely destroyed a family home in a rural area south of Nanaimo.

Flames broke out at the home on Muzwell Hill around 10 a.m., which was initially reported as a possible bush fire but quickly upgraded to a structure fire call after multiple people alerted 911.

Several fire departments were called to assist Extension Fire Department on mutual aid, including North Cedar providing a water tender and personnel, along with Cranberry Fire Department to help local firefighters.

Flames were clearly visible when crews arrived with smoke billowing out of the home.

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Ron Gueulette, chief of the Cranberry Fire Department told NanaimoNewsNOW the home was fully involved in flames when first responders arrived.

“We did have some legal ammunition inside the house which we’ve since cooled off and removed. Some of it exploded,” he said.

Reports from scene suggested one person suffered minor burn injuries.

Gueulette added a neighbour was able to get dogs out of the home, however it’s believed “a couple of cats” were lost.

The homeowners were not present when the fire broke out, however were on scene shortly after, Guelette confirmed.

The home was a near total loss by the time Extension crews were able to get a large water line on the structure. (Jordan Davidson/NanaimoNewsNOW)

The fire was extinguished shortly after 11 a.m., with crews battling flames for around 45 minutes.

Personnel from BC Hydro and BC Emergency Health Services were also called to attend the home.

More to come.

Smoke from the fire in Extension was visible in many areas of the Nanaimo area, including from this property near the Old City Quarter. (Ian Holmes/NanaimoNewsNOW)

The home was at the south edge of Extension, around 25 minutes south of Nanaimo. (Google Maps/NanaimoNewsNOW)

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