First-responders from the Orillia Fire Department and Orillia OPP were called to a fire at a homeless encampment at 66 Peter St. S. Monday morning.
Firefighters arrived on the scene at 9:10 a.m. and quickly extinguished a small fire on the site that once housed the Orillia OPP detachment before it was demolished.
“Orillia OPP and Orillia Fire attended for a reported structure fire at 66 Peter St. S. It was a very small fire that was put out promptly by the fire services,” Orillia OPP Const. Brett Boniface told OrilliaMatters.
"The occupant was attempting to put the fire out when fire (services) arrived."
Boniface said the site is occupied by several individuals. He noted fires can be a risk in encampment settings.
“We are aware that there are a few living here, but at this time, there was only one person who was present,” he said. “This does happen when you have makeshift shelter for individuals to reside in where they're attempting to cook on less than adequate products.”
The OPP said there was no criminal behaviour involved, Boniface said.
Boniface said the OPP and Orillia fire department have referred the incident to the city’s bylaw services, as the incident took place on city property.
Last week, city council passed a bylaw banning tents and other structures on any city property, though Mayor Don McIsaac said the bylaw will only be enforced when there is open shelter space for individuals at homeless shelters within Simcoe County.
