A Nanaimo man escaped a house fire with his dog Tuesday evening, but the blaze caused extensive damage to the Selby Street home, leaving three people displaced. Nanaimo Fire Rescue was called to the home in the 100 block of Selby at about 5 p.m. Crews encountered heavy smoke coming from the second floor and roof, according to Assistant Chief of Operations Troy Libbus. As firefighters arrived, the man attempted to go back inside the burning home. “The captain got out and stopped him from re-entering the home and told him to stand in a safe place,” Libbus said. Firefighters initially attempted to fight the blaze from inside, but heavy smoke, debris and deteriorating roof conditions forced them to switch to a defensive strategy, directing water into the building from outside. Fire spread into roof and attic Nanaimo Fire Rescue deployed three engines and one truck apparatus, with 16 department members responding. RCMP, B.C. Ambulance Service and the duty chief also were also at the scene. Libbus says the fire was brought under control within about 20 minutes, but crews continued working to extinguish flames concealed in the attic. The roof structure made the job particularly difficult, as firefighters could not easily reach the hidden fire with their hose streams. Libbus says the home sustained extensive fire, smoke and water damage adding the occupants will not be able to return for some time. He says firefighters kept the blaze contained to the residence, preventing damage to neighbouring properties. Unattended candle under investigation According to Libbus, the man told firefighters he had lit a candle and left it unattended. He tried to extinguish the fire but could not get it under control before leaving the home with the dog. The cause has not been confirmed, and an investigation is ongoing. “We’re investigating to make sure that information is correct and there was no other cause,” Libbus said. Fire chief urges residents to leave and stay out Nanaimo fire department is reminding residents to take precautions when using candles. Candles should never be left unattended and should be placed on a solid, non-combustible base. He also urges anyone who discovers a fire in their home to leave immediately. “Get out and stay out, call 911,” Libbus said. Residents should also check their smoke alarms at least twice a year to ensure they are clean and working properly.
