'It was a total wreck': Nanaimo family escapes house fire
A large foster family escaped an evening house fire in central Nanaimo, which ruined their home and damaged another next door.
It happened Tuesday evening around 8:30 p.m. on Doric Avenue near Acacia Avenue.
A neighbour who lives next door to where the fire took place says he heard screaming from his neighbour's backyard – then his wife also started to yell, alerting him to get out of their house.
"When we came up to the sidewalk there, there were flames shooting right out of the side of the house," said Dave Rider. "It was pretty, pretty scary."
Nanaimo Fire Rescue Assistant Chief David Dales says the fire started in the carport area, outside the family’s home. The cause of the blaze is still under investigation.
The fire happened around 8:30 p.m. on May 17, 2022, on Doric Avenue near Acacia Avenue. (Nanaimo Fire Rescue)
Dales says the fire also damaged a home next door, but it’s still habitable.
He says eight people lived in the home where the fire started – with the children ranging in age from three to 18.
Dales says paramedics took all of them to hospital due to concerns over smoke inhalation and for observation.
'IT WENT FAST'
"All of us were running down here trying to help them out," said another neighbour, Carrie Webber. "The parents were pretty shaken up as well."
Two dogs and two cats are also safe, according to firefighters.
"It went fast," said neighbour Richard Bouchard. "Something I don’t want to see ever again."
Another witness says he was driving home from crab fishing when he noticed plumes of smoke in the sky.
Upon arrival at the scene, Mark Hernandez says he was surprised at how calm everyone was, watching the firefighters knock down the flames – and he was impressed by the response.
"The whole house was on fire. It was a total wreck," says Hernandez. "The way they manage it is quite impressive. It makes you feel secure."
A GoFundMe campaign has also been launched to support the family as they get back on their feet.
According to the organizer, the family escaped the fire with just the clothes on their back.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
No 'warnings or second chances' for illegal activity on Canada Day: Ottawa mayor
Ottawa's mayor is warning the city won't tolerate any illegal activity downtown during Canada Day festivities this year, as the city prepares for possible protests.
'Deepest apologies': Central Alberta rodeo organizers shocked by parade float
Organizers of a central Alberta rodeo and its parade committee are calling for calm after a float in this weekend's parade, which possessed a racist theme, was seen in the procession.
Woman trampled, killed by horses at central Alberta rodeo: RCMP
A 30-year-old woman is dead after falling off a horse at the Ponoka Stampede on Sunday.
Ukrainian officials: At least 2 dead as missile hits Kremenchuk mall
Scores of civilians are feared killed or injured after a Russian rocket strike hit a crowded shopping mall in Ukraine's central city of Kremenchuk, Ukrainian officials said Monday.
Canada outperformed most G10 countries during first two years of pandemic response: study
Canada handled key aspects of the COVID-19 response better in the first two years of the pandemic than most G10 countries, according to a new study by researchers from the University of Toronto, Unity Health Toronto and St. Michael's hospital.
When can you light fireworks in Canada? It depends on where you live
Figuring out where and when you're allowed to use fireworks in Canada depends on where you live and what rules apply in your municipality.
South Africa tavern deaths: 21 teens likely killed by something they drank, ate or smoked
South African authorities investigating 21 teenagers found dead at an east coast tavern over the weekend said on Monday the youths were probably killed by something they ate, drank or smoked, ruling out the earlier-touted possibility of a stampede.
Republican calls overturning Roe v. Wade a 'victory for white life'
U.S. Rep. Mary Miller of Illinois, speaking at a rally Saturday night with former U.S. President Donald Trump, called the Supreme Court's decision overturning Roe v. Wade a 'victory for white life.'
Ghislaine Maxwell put on suicide watch after saying staff threatened her
Ghislaine Maxwell reported Brooklyn jail staff threatened her safety, prompting employees to place her on suicide watch, prosecutors said on Sunday, arguing there was no need to delay her sentencing on sex trafficking charges.
Vancouver
-
B.C. woman's whereabouts unknown more than 2 months after disappearance
Police say there is "growing concern" for a woman who's been missing more than two months.
-
Criticism over scrapped day pass prompts change of parking plan at Buntzen Lake again
A decision to scrap its day-pass program prompted criticism from would-be parkgoers, so BC Hydro has changed its plan for Buntzen Lake.
-
Stabbing in Vancouver's Downtown Eastside: 3 rushed to hospital
Three people were rushed to hospital following a stabbing in Vancouver's Downtown Eastside Sunday afternoon.
Edmonton
-
Woman trampled, killed by horses at central Alberta rodeo: RCMP
A 30-year-old woman is dead after falling off a horse at the Ponoka Stampede on Sunday.
-
Alberta woman becomes millionaire with $100-scratch ticket
Juanita Melenko told the Western Canada Lottery Corporation she decided to buy a $100 ULTIMATE instant ticket while she killed some time between loads of laundry.
-
Here's how you can celebrate Canada Day in Edmonton and area in 2022
Get ready to celebrate Canada on Friday with this list of events taking place in and around Edmonton on July 1.
Toronto
-
New Omicron subvariant expected to become dominant COVID-19 strain in Ontario
A new subvariant of Omicron is expected to become the dominant strain of COVID-19 in Ontario, health officials say.
-
Bank employee stabbed 'multiple times' during downtown Toronto hold-up
A Toronto bank employee has been stabbed several times during a robbery.
-
Toronto rent prices rose 20 per cent over the last year
Toronto rent prices have risen by 20 per cent over the last year and are now approaching where they were prior to the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Calgary
-
'Deepest apologies': Central Alberta rodeo organizers shocked by parade float
Organizers of a central Alberta rodeo and its parade committee are calling for calm after a float in this weekend's parade, which possessed a racist theme, was seen in the procession.
-
Woman trampled, killed by horses at central Alberta rodeo: RCMP
A 30-year-old woman is dead after falling off a horse at the Ponoka Stampede on Sunday.
-
Furious, Chickadee, Olivia: The most unique and common baby names in Alberta
The Wild Rose province unveiled its annual update of popular and unique baby names on Monday, with Noah and Olivia claiming the top spots again.
Montreal
-
LIVE @ 3 P.M.
LIVE @ 3 P.M. | Montreal police make arrest in fatal shooting of 15-year-old Meriem Boundaoui
Montreal police have arrested their first suspect in the unsolved homicide of 15-year-old Meriem Boundaoui that happened almost a year-and-a-half ago.
-
Federal government signs $221-million agreement with Quebec for long-term care homes
The federal government has signed an agreement with Quebec to provide $221 million in funding for long-term care homes in the province to address 'gaps in infection control' and staffing issues highlighted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
-
Class action lawsuit authorized against Trois-Rivieres Diocese for alleged sexual assaults
A Quebec Superior Court judge has authorized a class action lawsuit against the Trois-Rivières Diocese for alleged sexual assaults from 1940 to the present day.
Atlantic
-
Nathan MacKinnon shines in Game 6, helps Avalanche win Stanley Cup
Nathan MacKinnon was at his best in the Cup-clinching 2-1 victory Sunday night. After a relatively quiet performance in the series until that point, MacKinnon picked the perfect time to be a difference-maker and drove the bus for the Avalanche.
-
N.S. expands eligibility for 2nd COVID-19 booster doses, suggests waiting until fall to book appointments
Nova Scotia is expanding eligibility for second COVID-19 booster doses to include anyone aged 50 and over, however health officials are suggesting people wait to book appointments until the fall.
-
N.S. SPCA seeking donations to help five dogs found with rocks in their bellies
The Nova Scotia SPCA is asking for support from the community to help five dogs who are in desperate need of care. The SPCA says the dogs were recently rushed to urgent care after they were found starving and dehydrated.
Winnipeg
-
Police investigating shooting death at Centennial home
A 31-year-old man has died following a shooting at a home in Winnipeg’s Centennial neighbourhood on Sunday.
-
Suspects sought after double stabbing sends two men to hospital: RCMP
Manitoba RCMP are searching for a pair of suspects in connection with a double stabbing in Camperville, Man.
-
Ukrainian officials: At least 2 dead as missile hits Kremenchuk mall
Scores of civilians are feared killed or injured after a Russian rocket strike hit a crowded shopping mall in Ukraine's central city of Kremenchuk, Ukrainian officials said Monday.
Kitchener
-
Police make arrest in connection to Simcoe shooting
A 29-year-old North York man has been arrested in Thunder Bay in connection to a shooting earlier this month in Simcoe.
-
Elementary students end the 2022 school year in-person for the first time in three years
Students across Waterloo region are able to say goodbye to their classmates in-person for the first time since 2019, as final school day before summer vacation is here for some elementary school students.
-
Children injured after single-vehicle crash near Caledonia
Three children have been hurt and a driver has been suspended after a single-vehicle crash near Caledonia.
Regina
-
Sask. NDP elects Carla Beck as first female leader of party
The Saskatchewan New Democratic Party has elected Carla Beck as its new leader.
-
CN investing $185 million in Saskatchewan in 2022
The Canadian National Railway (CN) has announced plans to invest $185 million in Saskatchewan in 2022, which includes plans to upgrade some rail infrastructure in the province.
-
Serious motor vehicle collision under investigation
The Regina Police Service (RPS) said it is investigating a serious motor vehicle accident that occurred on Dewdney Avenue and Garnet Street Sunday evening.
Barrie
-
Young driver charged with impaired after crashing vehicle in provincial park
Police charged a young motorist with impaired driving after a crash in a Tiny Township provincial park left a vehicle severely damaged.
-
Collingwood OPP search for truck involved in pedestrian hit and run
Police in Collingwood are searching for a vehicle involved in a hit and run in the early morning hours on Sunday.
-
Council gives the nod for Fire Station 2 design in Midhurst
Springwater council approved the preliminary design of the new Midhurst Fire Station 2.
Saskatoon
-
Saskatoon COVID-19: Viral levels in wastewater lowest since January
The signs of COVID-19 are at their lowest levels in Saskatoon's wastewater since January.
-
Sask. NDP elects Carla Beck as first female leader of party
The Saskatchewan New Democratic Party has elected Carla Beck as its new leader.
-
'After all these years': Christies Mayfair Bakery celebrates 90th anniversary
When Ennio Muzzolini walked into Christies Mayfair Bakery in 1965 interested in purchasing the small bakery on 33rd Street, he never imagined he’d one day be looking on as hundreds of people lined the block to get their hands on a baguette, cinnamon bun or wood-fired pizza.
Northern Ontario
-
35-year old Manitoulin man dies in drowning mishap
Manitoulin OPP were called out Saturday to a report of a possible drowning at Chutes Provincial Park, they said in a release.
-
Fatal collision on Hwy. 17 at McKerrow
Manitoulin OPP continue to investigate a fatal collision Sunday involving two vehicles on Highway 17 at McKerrow, east of Sudbury.
-
New life for the Mindemoya old school
Friends of the Mindemoya old school are celebrating what will soon be the signing of a new lease. After years of work and negotiations, the group has saved the building from being torn down..