One Injured, 18 Displaced in Nanaimo Fire; Antique Store Owner Dies Despite CPR

A series of devastating fires on Vancouver Island has left residents displaced and claimed the life of a man despite immediate CPR efforts by emergency responders.

Nanaimo Apartment Fire Forces Residents From Their Homes

Early Sunday morning, firefighters responded to a five-unit apartment fire in downtown Nanaimo. When crews arrived at the scene on Sabiston Street, one unit was already fully engulfed in flames.

Firefighters successfully contained the blaze to a single unit, but heavy smoke damage affected the remaining apartments, leaving them without power. All residents escaped safely, though one person suffered burn injuries. Eighteen residents were displaced and provided temporary accommodations through the city’s Community Assistance Program. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

Fatal Fire at Qualicum Beach Antique Store

The Nanaimo incident followed a fatal fire the previous day in Qualicum Beach. Fire crews were called to Remember That Collectibles on Fern Road around 10:30 a.m.

During their initial sweep of the smoke-filled, single-storey building, firefighters located the owner’s dog, which was Successfully resuscitated by paramedics. During a secondary search, crews found the store’s owner in a back room approximately six metres from the fire.

CPR Efforts at the Scene

The man was removed from the building and CPR was started immediately. Fire Chief Darryl Kohse confirmed that responders briefly restored a pulse; however, the man later died while awaiting air transport to hospital.

The coroner has not yet determined the official cause of death, though smoke inhalation is believed to be a contributing factor. Firefighters reported extremely limited visibility inside the building and challenging rescue conditions. It is believed the man was living inside the structure, which also served as a densely packed warehouse of antiques and furniture.

The fire was contained within about 30 minutes, with assistance from volunteer firefighters. Investigators believe a faulty or misused electrical appliance may have caused the blaze.

According to the original Vancouver Sun report, these two fires occurred within days of each other and highlight the dangers faced by residents and emergency responders during structure fires.
👉 Read the full article here: One injured, 18 displaced in Nanaimo fire; man dies in blaze at Qualicum Beach antique store,

Why CPR Training Matters

This tragic event highlights the importance of early CPR during emergencies. While CPR cannot always overcome severe injuries or smoke inhalation, it can restore circulation and buy critical time until advanced medical care arrives.

About The Author

Mark Kascha

Certified First Aid Instructor Trainer with 30+ years of real-world experience, including lifeguarding, workplace emergency response, and first aid program development across Canada. Has worked with WorkSafeBC, WSIB, and Manitoba Health.

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Last reviewed: March 2026

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