Fireworks were seen by multiple witnesses at Pipers Lagoon Park, shortly before a large brush fire erupted at the popular oceanside spot. (Ian Holmes/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

late night flames

VIDEO: Fireworks ignite large brush fire at Pipers Lagoon

Jul 13, 2024 | 12:16 AM

NANAIMO — Fireworks ignited during a prolonged dry spell is believed to be behind a sizeable brush fire at prized Pipers Lagoon Park in the city’s north end.

Calls to 911 were made on Friday, July 12 just before 11 p.m. after several witnesses reported seeing a large group of youth setting off fireworks on the beach.

Flames were seen shortly after in the popular rocky trail just beyond the path which straddles the lagoon and driftwood-lined beach.

“We saw some kids lighting fireworks off at the end of the beach and a fire started,” witness Spencer Mason told NanaimoNewsNOW on scene. “There were like five or six (fireworks).”

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In addition to ongoing dry, hot conditions, strong winds off the ocean whipped up flames, causing the fire to spread quickly as embers swirled amongst the billowing smoke.

Mason and another witness, Spencer O’Handley, were also on the beach, roughly 200 feet to the south and preparing to leave ahead of the nightly gate closure.

Both said the group of youth, estimated to be around 30 people, fled quickly when flames broke out.

“Oh yeah, everybody scattered,” Mason said.

(Ian Holmes/NanaimoNewsNOW)

Nanaimo RCMP, along with Nanaimo Fire Rescue, shut down access to the park.

As of midnight several spot fires were visible but the situation appeared under control.

In the dark, it was difficult to tell how much of the park was affected, however taller trees appeared to have avoided a brunt of the flames, while surface-level grass and shrubs were scorched.

A total open fire ban came into effect on Friday, July 12 at noon, prohibiting all camping and open fires.

Fireworks and other larger burns were banned by the Coastal Fire Centre in May, however the City of Nanaimo prohibits the use of fireworks year-round, except with a permit.

(Ian Holmes/NanaimoNewsNOW)

(Ian Holmes/NanaimoNewsNOW)

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