‘SMALL FIRE LIT NEARBY BY A PERSON.’ POLICE SUSPECT ARSON IN ORILLIA THANKS TO VIDEO

Mark Clairmont | MuskokaTODAY.com

ORILLIA — Video from yesterday’s downtown fire that destroyed a historic building has police suspecting arson.

Officers canvassed local businesses and residents for any video footage of what may have caused the fire, which has now led to a criminal investigation.

“It is believed at this time that there was a small fire lit nearby by a person, which then spread quickly to cause the damage,” Orillia Const. Sophie Gwin told the media today.

Police now say the fire that closed part of downtown Orillia yesterday morning forcing apartment dwellers and business owners to vacate the premises may have been intentionally set and they are now conducting a criminal investigation into the cause. Photo City of Orillia

In a release this afternoon, as the fire smouldered, local OPP say they are investigating the structure fire January 21 at Peter Street South and Mississaga Street East in the city of Orillia.

Today detectives from the Orillia Major Crime Unit with assistance from the Forensic Identification Services (IDENT) combined to continue the investigation.

At this time, police believe that the fire was started intentionally started which spread causing the large-scale damages.

Police are requesting that any one with any information, video footage, or who may have been in the downtown core of Orillia between 5 and 7 a.m…

Investigators urge business owners to check their exterior surveillance video for any suspicious persons observed during the requested timeframe. If so they ask them to contact the Orillia OPP at 1-888-310-1122 to assist with the on-going investigation

Just before 7:30 a.m. yesterday OPP responded to a structure fire with firefighters.

First responders acted quickly to check all local residences and businesses to evacuate the area for safety.

Orillia Transit and other local businesses assisted with providing warmth and shelter for any person displaced, and for first responders while they continued battling the fire. Additional fire resources from Severn Fire, Ramara Fire, and Rama Fire all attended the scene to assist.

Additionally, Peter Street between Colborne Street and Coldwater Road, as well as Mississaga Street East between West Street and Matchedash Street remain closed and police are asking vehicles and pedestrians to avoid the area while first responders remain on scene.

If you have any information about this suspected crime, contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122. To report minor occurrences online please visit www.opp.ca/reporting. You can also call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or submit your information online at www.crimestopperssdm.com. Crime Stoppers does not subscribe to call display, and you will remain anonymous. You will not testify in court and your information may lead to a cash reward of up to $2,000.

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