An apartment building in Nanaimo was evacuated today, Oct. 30, after a fire broke out in a ground floor unit.
First responders were called out at 3:50 p.m. after a report of a structure fire at the Brechin Views Nanaimo site, part of which is situated on Estevan Road, between Maple and Poplar streets.
Four fire trucks were initially on scene, along with B.C. Ambulance Service and Nanaimo RCMP members. Two people suffered undisclosed injuries, said Jodi Le Masurier, Nanaimo Fire Rescue deputy chief.
“We were called here for heavy smoke and flames showing from a first-floor apartment building,” said Le Masurier. “Two people were injured and taken to hospital. At this time the fire is under control and crews were able to help the other people get out of the suite, including saving the cat that was inside.”
Fire crews are now doing mop-up duty, Le Masurier said.
Mark Rapanos, a resident, said signs of a fire were evident.
“I was just sitting and watching the football game … the smoke was heavy, even on the fourth floor and the fire was in the first,” said Rapanos. “There was a lot of smoke inside and outside the building.”
Residents are back in the building, said La Masurier, although not the residents of the affected apartment.
The cause of the fire is not known and is under investigation, according to Le Masurier.
Fire in #Nanaimo, at Estevan-Maple seems to be coming from bottom apartment. pic.twitter.com/3cwDvcmi3k
— Karl Yu (@KarlYuBulletin) October 30, 2021
reporter@nanaimobulletin.com
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