A large fire at a commercial plaza along Highway 11 in Oro-Medonte sent thick black smoke billowing into the sky Wednesday evening and prompted a major emergency response.
The blaze broke out around 6:15 p.m. near Line 7, drawing crews from the Oro-Medonte Fire Department, along with assistance from Orillia OPP and Simcoe County paramedics.
Fire Chief Roree Payment said the fire is believed to have started in the roof at the rear of the single-storey plaza. While several units sustained damage, crews were able to prevent the flames from spreading beyond the roof area. No injuries were reported.
At the height of the response, 12 fire trucks from Oro-Medonte were on scene, with Orillia’s aerial truck also assisting firefighters battling the blaze.
The plaza houses several businesses, including Bateman Fine Cabinetry, North Country Floors, Schnitzel Haus, Simcoe Angler Bait Shop, LiquiGator and a Canada Post outlet.