Accused arsonist in devastating downtown Orillia fire could soon be resolving charges

Brandon Costa, accused of setting fire to a historic Orillia building and allegedly breaching his release conditions, could soon plead guilty.

The Brampton, Ont. man, accused of starting a devastating fire that destroyed an historic building in downtown Orillia could soon be resolving his charges.

Brandon Costa, 35, who was living in Orillia at the time of the fire, is accused of setting fire to the building at the corner of Peter and Mississaga streets in the early morning hours of January 21. He appeared in court from jail in Penetanguishene, where the May 5 court date in Bradford plea court was set.

Costa has been in custody since late January on allegations he breached his bail conditions by having a lighter in his possession following his release in the hours that followed the fire. The blaze took days to put out as firefighters worked around the clock to extinguish the flames and secure the area around the building.

“There was a small fire that was intentionally set by one person that then ended up spreading,” said OPP Const. Sophie Gwin.

Within a day, police said investigators received surveillance video of the moment the fire broke out and quickly identified and arrested the accused.

Costa was charged with arson with disregard for human life, alleged to have intentionally started the fire at the doorway of Three Birds Salon.

He was granted bail, only to be arrested again five days later for allegedly breaching his bail conditions. Loved ones had pledged $1,500 to get him out of custody and serve as his surety. Costa was ordered not have any lighters, matches, gasoline or accelerants on him.

Separate court documents reveal Costa has also been charged with allegedly stealing mail three days before the fire.

The building, which has since been demolished, was deemed structurally unsafe. The fire forced about a dozen businesses, including a salon, art studio, comic book store and fashion boutique to find new homes.

Damage caused by the fire has reached about $5.5 million.

It is unclear which of Costa’s charges will be resolving with an anticipated plea next month. The allegations against him have not been tested in court.