Police investigating after fire damages Nanaimo Judo Club

An early morning fire at the Nanaimo Judo Club has caused extensive smoke and water damage to the facility.

The fire happened around 5 a.m. on July 11 on the exterior stairs of the the club, located on the corner of Machleary Street and Campbell Street.

The Nanaimo RCMP says the cause of the fire is undetermined.

“At this point, we don’t have any suspects. There was nobody seen in the area,” said Const. Gary O’Brien. “Some people saw the flames but didn’t see any cars or people leaving at this point.”

The club says it has been at the Machleary Street location for more than 50 years.

“It’s definitely a suspicious fire, like, stairs normally don’t catch fire by themselves,” said club president Nathan Eby. “It’s a place we can come and practise the martial art we love.”

The blaze has impacted a team of Nanaimo judo athletes who are training to compete at the upcoming U.S. Open Championships.

“Some people have reached out to offer shared facilities at some of the martial arts clubs,” said Eby.

More than 130 judo athletes, plus numerous volunteers, trained at the club last year.

The club is currently working with the city of Nanaimo to find another location for the short term.

“They’re looking to see if they can find an alternative, temporary location for us while what kind of damages are assessed,” said Eby.

A GoFundMe has been launched to help cover relocation costs, temporary facility rental fees as well as replacing any equipment and supplies not covered by insurance.

“We really hope that we can keep this place as our home for judo,” says Eby.

Nanaimo RCMP say they are still actively canvassing the area for video surveillance and witnesses.