ESCANABA, Mich. (WZMQ) – We are learning new information about the fatal fire that occurred this Wednesday morning in Downtown Escanaba.
According to Escanaba Public Safety at 1:55 a.m. dispatched to 1011 Ludington Street for the report of flames coming through the roof. Upon arrival flames were coming out of the roof and they appeared to be throughout the building. Within minutes the building was fully engulfed.
Nearby buildings were entered and checked for residents and they were advised to evacuate.
During the fire it was brought to first responders attention that not all tenants were accounted for at 1011 Ludington street.
Approximately 8 hours into the fire it was under control but due to damage sustained during the fire the structure collapsed and it was difficult to get the fire fully extinguished. Once the fire was under control Escanaba Public Safety utilized Brunette & Son Excavating to clear debri to be able to get the fire extinguished. This also allowed firefighters to have debris moved to search for any victims.
While searching through the debri an unidentified victim was located. No other information will be released regarding the victim at this time.
The fire is still under investigation. 1009 and 1011 Ludington street are a complete loss. There was additional damage done to buildings located on the east and west side of 1009 and 1011 Ludington street. At this time there were no other injuries reported. Escanaba Public Safety was on scene for approximately 12 hours.
It is requested that the public please stay away from the affected area due to danger of the debris and the condition of the buildings.
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UPDATE 3:11 p.m. : A body has been discovered at the scene of the fire that occurred Wednesday morning on Ludington Street, says the Escanaba Department of Public Safety,
The Department says it was notified that not all residents of the property were accounted for. As first responders worked to contain the fire the unidentified body was located.
WZMQ will continue to follow this breaking story as updates become available.
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Original Story:
Early Wednesday morning, Escanaba Public Safety, the Escanaba Township Volunteer Fire Department, the Ford River Volunteer Fire Department, and other agencies responded to a fire on Ludington Street.
Schwalbach Kitchens at 1009 Ludington Street suffered severe damage, while Trinkets & Treasures next door burned to the ground.
The City of Escanaba Department of Public Works was on the scene around 8:00 a.m. clearing the rubble.
WZMQ 19 will update this story as more information becomes available.
