A long-uninhabited home on Cowan Street was destroyed by fire Saturday night.
Orillia Fire Chief Michael Clark said the home had been surrounded by construction fencing for more than a year.
"The home, which was not in good shape, was empty and it appears might have been intended to be torn down," Clark told OrilliaMatters.
He said the home, which was fully engulfed in flames when firefighters arrived, was a total loss. Clark said a dozen full-time and volunteer Orillia firefighters battled the blaze. There were no injuries reported.
The fire chief said it appears people were either squatting in the home or going into the structure periodically.
"A couple of teens were witnessed leaving the area" just before crews arrived, said Clark, who noted Orillia OPP officers are investigating the fire and took statements from various witnesses and neighbours.
"We don't know if it's arson, but the cause is under investigation," Clark said, noting some firefighters remain on scene today trying to pinpoint the cause of the fire that started at about 9 p.m. Saturday night.
Investigators are looking for any potentially relevant dash cam footage or home surveillance video or photos from the area from 8:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Orillia OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or Crime Stoppers to remain anonymous at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS).
