UPDATE:

Orillia Deputy Fire Chief Chris Ferry says this morning’s fire in downtown Orillia is not suspicious.

However, it’s not clear what sparked the fire that started Monday morning at about 6:30 a.m.

“There is no determination of cause,” Ferry told OrilliaMatters, stressing the fire is not suspicious.

Original reports said the fire started in the basement, but Ferry confirmed there is no basement.

He also noted one adult and two children, who lived in an adjoining building, were taken to hospital and have been released.

Ferry estimates the fire caused about $50,000 in damages to the vacant building that formerly housed The Chocolate Factory.

ORIGINAL STORY:

Emergency officials are asking people to avoid the downtown area this morning.

The Orillia Fire Department is reporting a structure fire at 33 Mississaga St. W., across from the Orilllia Public Library. The city’s fire department, Rama Fire, the Orillia OPP and Simcoe County paramedics are on the scene.

The fire occurred in the basement at a vacant business, formerly home to The Chocolate Kingdom. Two people from the adjoining building were taken to hospital for smoke inhalation.

The fire, which erupted at about 6:30 a.m., has been extinguished, says Deputy Chief Chris Ferry. He said firefighters are ventilating the adjoining buildings.

The main street remains closed between West Street and Andrew Street.

Officials are asking people to avoid the area.

No other information is available. We’ll provide updates when possible.