Investigators don't think they will ever know the cause of a fire that destroyed a house in Orillia last week.

The overnight fire on Friday destroyed the home on Albert Street. The elderly woman who lived there was able to escape thanks to the quick actions of her neighbour.

Orillia fire officials say the fire likely started on a back porch before spreading to the house. Damage is estimated at $400,000.

The cause remains undetermined.