Fire out at Orillia Boston Pizza, but major water damage inside: fire department

The fire is out at Boston Pizza in Orillia.

Just before 5 p.m. Friday, flames were shooting out of the building. A driver passing by saw the flames and called the fire department.

Staff inside had no idea there was a fire in the roof. There were no flames or smoke inside the restaurant.

Orillia Deputy Fire Chief Jeff Kirk says there was a lot of smoke visible on the outside.

“When we arrived on scene we had heavy smoke visible on the rooftop, we have extensive water damage throughout the restaurant,” he says. “All indications are pointing to somewhere on the rooftop. There is no fire damage we can ascertain inside the restaurant.”

Kirk credits staff for a quick evacuation. There were no injuries.

“I have not been able to get in to do an initial estimate of damage,” Kirk says. “I would say it is extensive due to the water damage.”

He says 20 firefighters attended and “had it under control in about eight minutes. The crews did a wonderful job.”

OPP say that no major roads are being closed due to the fire but some lanes may be shut down while emergency crews help put out the fire.