A major structure fire in the downtown core has drawn in fire departments from Orillia and the surrounding townships, shutting down the block near Peter Street and Mississaga Street.
“This morning’s fire in our historic downtown is devastating for area residents and businesses,” Mayor Don McIsaac said in a news release. “The buildings in this area are more than a century old and hold special significance for our city as homes and workplaces.”
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At 7:23 a.m., the fire department received a call about the fire, which has impacted Dr. Comics, a local salon, other businesses and the apartments above those businesses near the Peter and Mississaga intersection.
Melissa Gowanlock, the city's manager of communications, said power has been turned off in the area, and that no injuries have been reported at this time.
At around 8:30 a.m., firefighters could be seen fighting the blaze from an aerial platform, as thick smoke engulfed the area and towered above downtown buildings.
Gowanlock asked people to avoid the downtown area as firefighters work to put out the blaze.
"We ask residents in the area to stay inside with their windows closed," she said. "We ask residents to stay away from the downtown at this time."
No injuries have been reported, and the city says it is too early to determine the cause of the fire or the estimated damage. The Office of the Fire Marshal has been called in to investigate.
“Crews are currently monitoring for hotspots and flare-ups in the building and that is anticipated to take place for the rest of the day,” the city said in a release.
The city has made buses available as temporary shelters for residents and emergency crews to keep warm. The Salvation Army is providing additional support on site.
