Updated January 21, 2025 @ 4:13pm
Orillia firefighters remain on scene monitoring for hotspots and flare-ups following a blaze in a downtown building at Mississaga Street and Peter Street.
Fire crews were alerted about the blaze shortly before 7:30 Tuesday morning.
Firefighters not only battled flames, but also wind chill values around minus 25.
Fire crews from Ramara, Severn, Oro-Medonte and Rama provided mutual aid.
"This morning's fire in our historic downtown is devastating for area residents and business," said Mayor Don McIsaac in a media release. "The buildings in this area are more than a century old and hold special significance for our city as homes and workplaces."
The mayor added that those impacted by the fire will be supported.
"My deepest thanks go out to the Orillia Fire Department and our mutual aid partners for their quick response and dedication in managing this difficult situation."
No injuries have been reported at this time, the city said in a news release.
The fire has significantly impacted one building that houses several businesses and residential apartments located above the shops.
Among the impacted businesses are a salon and a comic book store.
The city has arranged buses to provide temporary shelter for displaced residents and emergency crews to keep warm with additional on-site support from the Salvation Army.
It's too early to determine a cause for the fire or a damage total. The Ontario Fire Marshal has been called in to investigate.
"The buildings in this area, many over 100 years old, pose unique challenges due to their age and proximity to one another," stated Fire Chief Chris Ferry. "We ask residents in the area to stay indoors with the windows closed due to smoke."
Ferry also asked people to stay away from the downtown core and to avoid the fire scene until further notice.
Orillia Transit has been rerouted. The Laclie Route bus has two stops out of service (Peter Street and Mississaga Street, and Coldwater Street and Matchedash Street). The South Route bus has one stop out of service at Elgin Stret and West Street.
