Motel fire in Nanaimo, B.C., displaces residents, sends 7 to hospital

An early morning fire on Boxing Day has displaced almost 40 guests at a motel in Nanaimo, B.C.

B.C. Emergency Health Services says it received a call before 3 a.m. on Friday about the Value Lodge Motel at 736 Nicol St.

Ambulances took seven patients to hospital for smoke inhalation.

Motel owner Aohan Cui said 36 people were displaced due to the fire — and the motel is now closed indefinitely.

“Unfortunately, we are living the nightmare of the worst case scenario,” Cui said.

“Currently, the building as it stands is not fit for occupancy, so there will be no opportunity for people to … live in their homes again.”

In the early hours on Friday, resident Arynne Hempstock had been up since midnight.

But while trying to fall asleep, she heard bangs.

Smoke soon began to make her cough and firefighters rushed in, yelling for people to leave and helping guests escape through the dark smoke.

Hempstock, who has lived at the motel for five years, adjusted to the cold weather outside and took in the scene.

"The first thing was ... 'Oh my God.' The roof was on fire."

She saw the fiery roof crash into her neighbour's apartment.

"It was a nightmare, just watching that fire."

Some displaced residents have been put up in a local hotel with government support.