Fire rips through Orillia homeless encampment destroying people’s belongings

Orillia Fire crews battle an encampment fire behind the local rec centre on Mon. Sept. 22, 2025. (Orillia Fire)

A fire broke out earlier this week in a homeless encampment, devastating people’s personal belongings and destroying a patch of land.

On Monday, firefighters in Orillia were called to a blaze that broke out behind the local recreation centre near West Street South.

Orillia fire crews battled the flames while Ramara firefighters brought in UTVs, providing additional assistance.

No injuries were reported, and the cause of the fire remains unknown at this time.

Pictures reveal people’s personal items burnt to ash along the small patch of land in the wooded forest.

It is unclear where and if those people have relocated following the blaze.