Cause of Nanaimo hotel fire still under investigation

After a fire on Boxing Day in a hotel in Nanaimo, authorities are still investigating the cause of the incident.

Firefighters responded to the incident at the Value Lodge Motel on Nicol Street near Woodhouse Street on Dec. 26 after 3 a.m.

Nanaimo Assistant Fire Chief Troy Libbus says that the fire displaced 40 people, with some still scrambling to find housing. However, emergency accommodations have been organized.

“As for the amount evacuees, this was the biggest in a few years that we have had,” Libbus said.

The fire was quite extensive, with crews dealing with the incident until Sunday.

“We have had multiple agencies working during the fire, and even afterwards, it continued all weekend,” he said.

“When the Fire Rescue pulled up, the heavy flames were showing from multiple suites and the roof was fully involved. The extent and the damage of the fire are quite extensive.”

He adds that most of the eight people who were transported to the hospital due to smoke inhalation have been released.

“I think one person is still in the hospital, but that is just hearsay right now. Everyone else was released within the next day or shortly after,” Libbus said.

The motel is badly damaged and has now shut down indefinitely.

BC Emergency Health Services initially reported that seven people were transported to the hospital.