A fire that devastated a heritage building in Orillia has been deemed intentional by the Ontario Provincial Police, leading to a criminal investigation. Witnesses reported a suspicious individual seen igniting a small fire, which escalated into a significant blaze requiring over 30 hours to extinguish. The historic structure, over a century old, housed multiple apartments and businesses, is considered a total loss due to substantial damage. Local authorities are seeking further evidence and witnesses who may have footage from that morning to aid the investigation.
At this time, police believe that the fire was intentionally started, which spread causing the large-scale damages.
Several community members contacted police on Tuesday with video footage showing a 'suspicious person lighting a small fire nearby'.
The building was over 100 years old and housed several businesses and apartments, […] the roof and second floor of the three-storey building collapsed, which means the building is likely a total loss.
Investigators urge that business owners check their exterior surveillance video for any suspicious persons observed during the requested timeframe.
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