Nanaimo fire crews say a suspicious vehicle fire in the 100-block of Port Drive, near the Nanaimo Harbour ferry terminal, is now under control.
Nanaimo Fire Rescue says crews were alerted to the fire at 10:09 a.m. Monday. A CHEK News reporter captured video of firefighters arriving on scene to a large plume of black smoke and flames engulfing the vehicle.
The fire could also be seen spreading to nearby grass and trees, and Deputy Fire Chief Geoff Whiting says strong winds played a factor in the blaze’s spread.
One witness, who asked not to be named, told CHEK News on scene that two people live inside the vehicle. At the time, she was scared because she was unsure if they got out.
“I just woke up and my nephew came and grabbed some water, and he went, ‘The truck’s on fire.’ And that’s it. I’m scared because there are two people who might be in there, I’m not too sure,” the witness said Monday.
Whiting, however, says there were no reports of injuries.
A BC Emergency Health Services spokesperson says that while paramedics were called to the scene, no one needed medical treatment.
Whiting says crews from three fire stations responded to the fire, which has been deemed suspicious and is most likely human caused. The cause is still under investigation.
Around noon, the deputy chief said crews were still on scene mopping up the fire.
It comes amid a heat warning for East Vancouver Island, which was issued early Monday by Environment Canada. A strong wind warning is also in effect for the Strait of Georgia south of Nanaimo.
READ ALSO: Heat wave warnings continue for parts of Vancouver Island
-With files from CHEK’s Skye Ryan
Ethan Morneau
