Three residents and a staffer were hospitalized after a fire at Barrie's Elizabeth Fry Society location on Sunday morning.
The fire reportedly occurred around 8:30 a.m. with heavy smoke causing extensive damage throughout the building.
Barrie Deputy Fire Chief Thomas Bezrucki told Barrie360 that crews, including police and paramedics, responded to the call just after 8:36 a.m.
The conditions of those injured was not detailed and the number of people that were in the building at the time of the blaze is unknown.
"A large amount of the structure has been impacted," Bezrucki said. "We do have temporary accommodation set up for the residents of the shelter and we're working with our Simcoe County partners at the emergency management office."
Barrie Transit brought a bus and had it parked on Maple Avenue nearby to assist those displaced.
Police say the fire is not believed to be suspicious in nature.
The Ontario Office of the Fire Marshal has been called in to investigate.
The Elizabeth Fry Society Simcoe Muskoka is a non-profit organization that helps youth and adults experiencing homelessness and criminalization and provides advocacy services.
—with files from Ian MacLennan
