Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) say they believe the blaze that tore through a century building in downtown Orillia was "intentionally started."
Fire crews were alerted about the blaze at 7 Peter Street South, at Mississaga Street, just before 7:30 a.m. Tuesday morning.
Additional fire resources from Severn Fire, Ramara Fire, and Rama Fire all attended the scene to assist.
Officials say the fire presented unique challenges due to the age and construction of the building, which is more than a century old. They also said no injuries were reported, and no one was inside the building when the fire started.
"Once the fire extended through the attic, it caused a roof collapse, requiring crews to battle the flames from the exterior. Additional challenges included cold weather, which created icy conditions, and high winds, necessitating more frequent rotation of crews," according to city officials.
"Officers canvassed local businesses and residents for any video footage of what may have caused the fire, which has now led to a criminal investigation," Orillia OPP stated today.
"Detectives from the Orillia Major Crime Unit with assistance from the Forensic Identification Services (IDENT) have engaged to continue the investigation. At this time, police believe that the fire was intentionally started, which spread, causing the large-scale damages."
City officials say crews remain at the fire location and work is underway to safely access the site.
Anyone with information or video footage in the downtown core between 5 a.m. and 7 a.m. on Tuesday is asked to contact Orillia OPP at 1-888-310-1122.
"Investigators urge that business owners check their exterior surveillance video for any suspicious persons observed during the requested timeframe," OPP said.
"Additionally, Peter Street between Colborne Street and Coldwater Road, as well as Mississaga Street East between West Street and Matchedash Street remain closed and police are asking vehicles and pedestrians to avoid the area while first responders remain on scene."
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The building housed several businesses.
"Businesses directly affected by the fire include Three Birds Salon, Dr. Comics, and Kelly’s Clothing," the city said in a news release yesterday evening. "No estimated cost of damage has been determined at this time."
Orillia Transit and other local businesses assisted with providing warmth and shelter for anyone displaced and for first responders while they continued battling the fire.
While no residents lived in the affected building, nearby residents and businesses have been displaced. Anyone impacted can contact North Simcoe Victim Services at 705-325-5578 for assistance with temporary accommodations and other resources, including arrangements regarding pets.
- With files from Ian MacLennan (Barrie 360)
