Fire crews are battling a blaze on Nanaimo’s Meredith Road.
Nanaimo Fire Rescue firefighters were called to the 1600 block of Meredith at about 6:15 p.m. on Thursday, April 13, and found flames and black smoke coming from the upper floor of the house.
There was no one inside the house at the time of the fire, but fire crews said the address is known to police and firefighters removed several propane tanks indicating that people had been squatting there.
The fire is under investigation.
Reserve Const. Gary O’Brien, Nanaimo RCMP spokesman, said police would like to speak to a woman who was seen leaving the house prior to the fire.
“The one resident who was living there was seen leaving the property 10 minutes before the fire,” O’Brien said. “She is unaccounted for. We’re hoping to find her today and have a chat.”
O’Brien said marginalized people who are “heavily entrenched in the drug culture” had been squatting in the house.
Nanaimo Fire Rescue, RCMP at house fire 1600 Blk Meredith Rd.
House unoccupied. Upper floor heavy black smoke and flame when firefighters arrived.#Nanaimo #Fire @NanaimoBulletin pic.twitter.com/DnxeHZPQxx— Chris Bush (@ChrisBushphotog) April 14, 2023
READ ALSO: House destroyed by fire on Nanaimo’s Bowen Road
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