A major structure fire in the downtown core has drawn in fire departments from Orillia and the surrounding townships, shutting down the block near Peter Street and Mississaga Street.
The following video is from D & J's Video Productions/Justin Mercer.
At 7:23 a.m., the fire department received a call about the fire, which has impacted Dr. Comics, a local salon, other businesses and the apartments above those businesses near the Peter and Mississaga intersection.
Melissa Gowanlock, the city's manager of communications, said power has been turned off in the area, and that no injuries have been reported at this time.
At around 8:30 a.m., firefighters could be seen fighting the blaze from an aerial platform, as thick smoke engulfed the area and towered above downtown buildings.
Gowanlock asked people to avoid the downtown area as firefighters work to put out the blaze.
"We ask residents in the area to stay inside with their windows closed," she said. "We ask residents to stay away from the downtown at this time."
