Some residents of a Nanaimo supportive-housing complex evacuated after a fire early Sunday were able to return Monday to their units on the fourth floor, which was not damaged by fire or water.
Corrie Corfield with the Island Crisis Care Society, which operates the facility, said temporary housing has been found for most of the remaining residents who were forced out, including 10 people with mobility or health issues who have been placed in a motel. She said Island Crisis Care had to bring in food and clothing for residents because many of them left with nothing more than the pyjamas they were wearing.
Crews quickly knocked down the fire and the building’s sprinkler system prevented it from spreading further, he said.Displaced residents were initially taken to Bowen Park social centre by bus, he said.The supportive housing facility has smoke damage on the third floor as well as “a lot” of water damage caused by the sprinkler system going off, he said.