PARKSVILLE — Investigators are probing a potentially deliberately set overnight in downtown Parksville.
Local firefighters, along with members from Qualicum Beach, Nanoose Bay, Errington and Coombs, were dispatched to a commercial property in the 100 block of McCarter St., just after 4:30 a.m. on Monday, April 20.
Parksville Fire Rescue assistant fire chief Cam Cruickshank said the two-storey building is currently under renovation, but no one was inside at the time of the fire.
“It was fairly obvious where the fire was, there was active flame and stuff like that, so we were able to get a hose on that, get some water on it, and knock it down fairly quickly.”
Flames were seen coming from a building in the 100 block of McCarter St. early Monday morning. (Image Credit: Bill Dean)
Damage was largely contained to the exterior of the building.
Cruickshank said they believe it to be intentionally lit.
“It does look suspicious as far as from an investigation standpoint. The RCMP investigation is continuing, but the renovations happening inside can continue.”
Oceanside RCMP members were on scene after fire crews wrapped up on Monday morning.
NanaimoNewsNOW has contacted Oceanside RCMP for comment.
Firefighters were on scene for around 90 minutes, Cruickshank said, but had a majority of the situation handled after the first 30 minutes.
Crews were also dispatched to another fire in the same area of town around three hours later, however, Cruickshank said they’re not believed to be related.
Engines from five different departments responded to the scene, with firefighters on McCarter St. for around 90 minutes Monday morning. (Image Credit: Megan Gibson)
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