A late‑night fire tore through a Wasaga Beach motel just before midnight, causing an estimated $2 million in damage and leaving the two‑storey building uninhabitable.
Fire crews from Wasaga Beach, Collingwood and Springwater responded to a structure fire at 45 Mosley Street, known as the Villa Nova motel. Fire Chief Craig Williams told Barrie 360 a significant portion of the second floor was destroyed by the fire, and the building is believed to be uninhabitable.
At the time of the fire, four people were inside the building. All were able to escape safely.
One volunteer firefighter sustained an ankle injury and was transported to hospital as a precaution; he has since been treated and released.
Emergency responders also rescued several animals inside the motel. “Several pets were also successfully removed from the structure by OPP officers and paramedics," said Williams.
Fire officials say it is too early to speculate on the cause of the fire.
Because of the significant financial loss, the Office of the Fire Marshal has been notified.
The motel remains closed as investigations continue.
