Candles behind deadly fire

Photo: CTV

The cause of a house fire that killed a family of three in Nanaimo has been ruled accidental.

An investigation by Nanaimo Fire and Rescue suggests the most likely cause of the fire was unattended candles.

Fire Chief Karen Fry says the fire was tragic and their thoughts are with the family and friends of the three people who lost their lives.

Fire crews were called to a home on Tuesday afternoon when a passerby noticed flames and tried to alert anyone inside.

The bodies of a man, woman and their seven-year-old daughter were later found inside.

Police had originally said the fire was being treated as suspicious because they didn't know the origin of the blaze.