A fire that Fire Chief Roree Payment described on social media as "wind-driven" engulfed a pair of unoccupied homes in Oro-Medonte Township.
Around 6 a.m. Tuesday, fire crews responded to the blaze at an unoccupied home in a development known as Eagles Rest Estates on Bass Lake Side Road West in the area of Line 2.
Payment said construction had been completed on the first home that was destroyed, while the adjacent residence had been partially completed.
He said firefighters worked to minimize exposure to the neighbouring home.
"Crews began an aggressive attack on the exposure and defensive operations on the initial structure. Great job by all," Payment posted to social media.
The cause of the fire is under investigation. Damage is pegged at $1.5 million.
The Ontario Fire Marshal was contacted but Payment said they will not be attending.
In a media release, provincial police said the Orillia OPP Major Crime Unit and Forensic Identification Services (FIS) have bee notified and are currently investigating.
The Orillia OPP Major Crime Unit and Forensic Identification Services (FIS) have been notified and are currently investigating.
