Occupants escape after porch fire

The scene of a fire in Orillia on Sun., Nov. 10, 2024 (Source: Orillia Fire/X)

Crews responded to an overnight porch fire at a residence in Orillia, where all occupants managed to escape without injury.

Orillia Fire posted about the incident via social media early Sunday morning, stating that it occurred on James Street and that the fire had spread into the house.

Orillia's Fire Chief told CTV News that two fire apparatuses and eight firefighters responded to the scene at around 4 a.m. The fire had spread into the attic but was quickly contained to the exterior and attic. The four occupants escaped unharmed, and no firefighters were injured.

It was later determined that the fire orginiated from a cigarette butt in a planter, and that it caused an estimated $200,000 in total damage.

Orillia Fire officials remind residents that soil in a planter can be combustible if exposed to a lit cigarette butt.

Victim Services was called to assist the four occupants.