A tarp covers the remains of a burned RV along Dover Rd., after a large fire Wednesday night. (Ian Holmes/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

fatal fire

Man dies attempting to save dog from north Nanaimo RV fire

Dec 11, 2025 | 9:46 AM

NANAIMO — A large fire inside a parked RV in the city’s north end has claimed the life of a man.

Emergency first responders were called to the vehicle, parked in trees on a property in the 6600 block of Dover Rd., near Dickinson Rd. on Wednesday, Dec. 10 just after 5 p.m. with a loud explosion was reported by witnesses.

Assistant fire chief Troy Libbus said two people, both men in their early 60s, were inside the vehicle when a propane heater was accidentally knocked over and sparked the blaze.

“They exited the RV when the propane heater tipped over and started the fire, but [the victim] reentered to rescue his dog and he was unable to get out. This incident serves as a tragic reminder to never re-enter a burning home or structure, your safety is a priority, and we need you to get out and stay out.”

An RV fire claimed the life of one man Wednesday night. (Ian Holmes/NanaimoNewsNOW)

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The second man, 63 years old, was taken to hospital for smoke inhalation.

Libbus said anyone with a propane heater needs to ensure it has a safety shutoff mechanism in the event of it being knocked over.

He said working smoke detectors are also critical, as they save lives.

Both fire investigators and RCMP were on scene Thursday combing through the wreckage.

Nanaimo RCMP Reserve Cst. Gary O’Brien confirmed the fire is not deemed suspicious.

Video of the fire taken by onlookers showed an aggressive, fully involved blaze.

The vehicle had reportedly been parked on site for an extended period of time, according to those living in the area.

Officers were on scene of the RV fire Thursday morning, ahead of fire investigators arriving later in the morning. (Ian Holmes/NanaimoNewsNOW)

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