A dozen people were forced from their homes Wednesday evening after a fire broke out at an apartment building in downtown Nanaimo.
The local fire department said they were called to a structure fire at 25 Front Street around 10 p.m. Upon arrival, fire was showing from a second floor apartment. Firefighters were able to contain the fire to one suite.
The three-storey building suffered smoke and water damage throughout.
"It is very fortunate that fire sprinklers were present in this building. The sprinklers activated, preventing the fire from spreading and allowing occupants to safely escape,” said Nanaimo Fire Chief Craig Richardson.
No one was injured in the blaze, but 12 people weren’t allowed to return to their apartments and are being supported by the City’s Community Assistance Program.
Nanaimo fire and RCMP are investigating the cause of the fire, but it has been deemed suspicious.
