Suspect sought after arson suspected in devastating Orillia fire

Aftermath of blaze in historic Orillia. Tue., Jan. 22, 2025.

Ontario Provincial Police believe the downtown Orillia fire that destroyed an historic building along Peter Street South and shut down the city’s downtown core Tuesday morning was a result of arson.

On Wednesday, police confirmed a suspect is being sought after an individual was captured on surveillance cameras between 6:30 a.m. and 7 a.m. when the fire broke up.

“We do believe, at this time, that there was a small fire that was intentionally set by one person that then ended up spreading,” said Orillia OPP Const. Sophie Gwin.

Police said investigators with the OPP forensic identification services and Orillia Major Crime Unit teams are working to identify the suspect.

Fire officials were called to the scene moments later for reports of a fire at the building near the intersection of Peter Street South and Mississaga Street East at about 7:20 a.m. when first which had quickly spread from the ground floor to the entire century-old building.

The building has been deemed a total loss with damage estimated at $4-million.

Police investigators want to speak with anyone who has information on the suspect and events leading up to the fire.