Orillia home destroyed by fire that claimed pet’s life

A destructive house fire in Orillia claimed the life of at least one pet.

A George Street home in Orillia went up in flames in the middle of the night.

The two people at home managed to escape the blaze, however, their dog didn’t make it out and their cat is still missing.

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Orillia Fire Chief Chris Ferry said the home was engulfed in flames when crews arrived at 3 a.m.

“Smoke alarms alerted the two occupants, and they exited with no injuries,” Ferry told CTV News Wednesday morning.

When crews arrived, the fire was spreading to nearby vehicles and neighbouring houses.

North Simcoe Victim Services has been contacted to support the families.

Police closed George Street between Lakeview Ave and Westmount Drive South, and blocked the entrance to Harriet Todd School but the school parking lot was still accessible.

The Ontario Fire Marshal has been notified and firefighters will remain at the scene to tend to hot spots and investigate the cause, which isn’t considered suspicious.