A fire broke out late Tuesday morning at a home on John Street, prompting a swift response from Orillia firefighters.
According to witness Curtis Smith, who was visiting his daughter next door at the time, the fire started around 11:30 a.m.
Smith recounted that he and his daughter initially noticed what appeared to be a small fire but soon realized the severity of the situation.
“We thought somebody had a bonfire going. I thought, it’s kind of warm to have a fire on. We looked out, and I said, that’s more than a small fire,” Smith told OrilliaMatters.
Emergency responders arrived on the scene before Smith and his daughter could call for help.
Smith, who was watching from his daughter’s basement apartment, described how the fire appeared to be concentrated in the lower level of the home.
“It was hardly anything. It was just a little bit of steam. Nothing was coming out the front at all,” he said.
However, within about 15 minutes, the fire had spread to the front of the house.
Smith says the home has been occupied by three men — two brothers and a nephew. He doesn’t believe they were home at the time of the incident.
Despite the fire’s rapid spread, Smith said he did not hear any explosions or loud noises.
“No explosion, no noise. Very quiet,” he noted.
Fire crews are currently working to contain the blaze, which Smith observed was “more stubborn” in the back section of the house.
The fire appeared to be contained to the lower level and did not reach the roof, he added.
Authorities are expected to provide further updates as the investigation continues.
People are asked to avoid the area of John Street and O'Brien Street so crews can work at the scene.