An orange glow of fire fueled by winds helped spread a fire at Pipers Lagoon Park this past July. (Ian Holmes/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By NanaimoNewsNOW staff

notable fire

Top Stories of 2024: Large brush fire singes Pipers Lagoon Park

Dec 22, 2024 | 11:48 AM

NANAIMO — In the midst of a prolonged drought, fireworks carelessly set off at a prized north Nanaimo park sparked an out-of-control brush fire.

It happened on Friday, July 12 just before 11 p.m. where Nanaimo RCMP say a large gathering of youth partying on the beach included the careless use of fireworks.

The northeastern most part of the park at the end of the narrow walkway at Pipers Lagoon Park was impacted, with undergrowth scorched, but thankfully dozens of Gary Oak trees were largely unscathed.

shrubbery and grass was badly scorched in a 200 by 400 foot section of park in a rocky knoll home to a network of trails.

Fire could be seen shooting high into the sky as strong winds from the ocean whipped the flames.

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Nanaimo Fire Rescue Crews drove down the spit separating the lagoon and driftwood-lined beach to get improved access to the fire.

It took firefighters several hours to snuff out the flames, while Nanaimo RCMP were on scene investigating shortly after calls to 911 to report the fire were made.

On-scene witnesses told NanaimoNewsNOW young people misusing fireworks was the cause, with the group running off when the fire took off.

The following morning pockets of ashes were still smoldering.

NFR crews established hoses connected to a parking lot fire hydrant to help prevent fires from re-igniting.

NFR crews used hoses the following morning to cool the scorched area down. (Alex Rawnsley/NanaimoNewsNOW)

The fire illustrated the extreme fire threat on the mid-Island area at the time, which incensed members of the public and elected leaders.

Accountability for what happened was a universal sentiment, however the investigation into the high-profile blaze likely won’t lead to repercussions for those responsible.

“Our investigation was concluded as there was insufficient evidence to determine who was responsible for setting off the fireworks,” Nanaimo RCMP media liaison officer Cst. Gary O’Brien recently informed our newsroom.

Fireworks are banned year-round in the City of Nanaimo, with the exception of those applying for and receiving a valid permit.

The Coastal Fire Centre banned the use of fireworks as part of the first round of fire bans in spring, while a total open fire ban was put in place the day of the Pipers Lagoon fire.

Several days before the Pipers Lagoon Park fire, multiple fires in driftwood on the beach had to be put out by NFR crews.

Beach fires are also illegal in Nanaimo year-round.

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