Orillia’s historic downtown goes up in flames

Flames and sirens provided the horrifying wake up call residents and businesses near Peter Street in downtown Orillia this morning.

An historic, more than century-old building near the corner of Peter and Mississaga streets went up in flames at about 7:30 a.m. Firefighters rushed to stop the flames from spreading and feared the walls of the building could collapse.

“Flames were coming out of the windows of one of the one of the storefront units, extending up into the second floor windows of the units above,” said Orillia Fire Chief Chris Ferry; who added intense flames and black smoke consumed the entire building and its roof had collapsed.

Those who work and live in the area said the fire affected a studio and salon along with Dr. Comics. Fire crews used several aerial apparatus to shoot water inside the building for hours. Firefighters from Rama First Nation, Severn, Ramara and Oro-Medonte helped deal with hot spots and suffocating smoke in frigid conditions which wreaked havoc on crews who faced harsh winds and billowing smoke for much of the day.

“Today with the temperatures in the -15 to -20 everything is freezing up. Our trucks are freezing up, the equipment is freezing up, all the water we are using to fight the fire is freezing up,” said the chief.

Fire crews and the Ontario Fire Marshal are working to determine what happened and how to safely get those who work in neighbouring businesses back inside later this week.

Power to several buildings in the immediate area had to be shut off Tuesday morning while police closed streets and intersections to vehicles and pedestrians. Most of it was restored by late afternoon.

“Orillia OPP have been assisting with closing down all intersections in the area so closures on Coldwater Road, Front Street and Colborne Street,” said Const. Sophie Gwin.

Mayor Don McIsaac applauded the efforts of first responders and his fire chief who led efforts to prevent the spread of fire and smoke to other buildings in the historic downtown.

“It’s an example of great cooperation,” he said. “Chris Ferry, the fire chief has done a great job leading the troops so let them do the work and we will sort it out going forward,” said McIsaac.

“Orillia is about resilience and recovery. This will test us but we’ll get through this and look forward to seeing how we progress here.”

As local businesses owners and staff provided warmth and food to police, paramedics and firefighters along with city crews who helped drain water and salt roadways and sidewalks. The Salvation Army Emergency Disaster Services team was on site to assist those affected by the fire. It is unclear whether anyone was in the building at the time the fire broke out.

“It’s horrific,” said Mayor McIsaac. “Orillia’s downtown is historic, it’s home to many people and businesses and when those are affected it affects us all and we’re all saddened to hear.”

Officials said there are no injuries reported at this time. Fire crews remained on scene throughout the evening.

As of 10:30 p.m. Tuesday road closures at Mississaga St. E at Front St., Colborne St. E. at Peter St. and Mississaga St. E. at Peter Street remain in place.

City staff say transit detours are expected to remain in place throughout Wednesday.