A fast-moving fire tore through a South Nanaimo home Thursday afternoon, destroying the building and displacing those living there.

Around 35 firefighters from multiple departments including Cranberry, North Cedar, North Oyster, and Extension Fire Department arrived to the home on Plecas Road to find smoke coming from the front and back of the building.

They entered an exterior attack and were eventually able to gain control of the stubborn blaze.

The fire is believed to have originated in the basement of the 4,000-square-foot house, but officials say it's too soon to determine a cause.

"It was extremely hot in the basement," said Cranberry Fire Dept. Deputy Chief Gary Hein. "It blew the windows out on its own and breached the second and third floor on its own, so it was a fast, aggressive fire."

While firefighters said those in the home made it out safely, a cat on the second floor was missing in the aftermath.

The house is considered a complete write-off, according to fire officials.