A Mother’s Quick Thinking Prevents Catastrophe in Nanaimo Motel Blaze
January 7, 2026
Today’s uplifting story hails from Nanaimo, British Columbia, Canada.
A potentially devastating fire in the early hours could have led to a tragic outcome if not for the courageous actions of a mother.
Credit: CHEK Media
Hailed as a hero, Elizabeth Manson, a mother of three, played a pivotal role in saving lives during a fire that erupted at the Value Lodge motel shortly after 3 a.m. on Boxing Day. As reported by CHEK News, Manson awoke to smoke filling her room and quickly roused her children.
Instead of immediately fleeing to safety, Manson made a life-changing decision to alert other guests by running through the smoke-filled corridors, urgently knocking on doors.
“I screamed, ‘Wake up! Fire! You guys, get up now!’” she recounted to CHEK News. As she raised the alarm, families evacuated rapidly, some in their pajamas and without shoes, as the blaze spread.
Though flames were visible within moments, and despite her severe asthma, Manson persisted in her efforts. Her daughter, Tatayana Jimenez, expressed immense pride in her mother’s determination to assist other guests at the risk of her own safety.
Among those rescued was Nakul Joseph, who met Manson afterwards and expressed deep gratitude, saying, “Thank you for saving our lives.” Joseph had barely seconds to react and resorted to leaping from a second-floor balcony, describing it as a terrifying ordeal.
Other motel residents similarly praised Manson’s actions, crediting her with their survival.
Nanaimo Fire Rescue crews were also instrumental in the operation, rescuing several individuals trapped by the fire. BC Emergency Health Services mentioned that seven individuals required hospitalization following the incident.
Reflecting on the event, Manson shared her relief at being awake to intervene when it was crucial.
“I almost went back to sleep,” she tearfully admitted. “But something in me made me get up.”
