ESCANABA, Mich. (WZMQ) – UPDATE: Multiple agencies responded to a fire at an Escanaba business Monday afternoon.
At approximately 1:19 p.m., a kitchen fire was reported at Mo’s Pub at 2116 Ludington Street. Escanab Public Safety, the Michigan State Police, the Ford River Township Volunteer Fire Department, the Escanaba Township Volunteer Fire Department, and other agencies responded to the scene.
When officers arrived, heavy smoke was coming from inside the building. They entered the kitchen area and found employees still inside. The employees were escorted to safety as suppression efforts continued.
As Firefighters fought the blaze from inside the building, the fire quickly spread to other parts of the building. Officers battled the fire for several hours, and temperatures above 90 degrees, before it was extinguished.
Although much of the building remains standing, the contents are a total loss. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.
PART OF ORIGINAL STORY:
The fire has caused temporary water discoloration and a power outage in parts of Escanaba. Discolored water may affect areas from 3rd Avenue North to 1st Avenue South and along Ludington Street. Residents are advised to run cold water for 5 – 10 minutes to clear the lines. If it does not clear, contact the Water Department at (906) 786-3291. Restaurants and food service establishments are advised not to use soda fountains, ice machines, coffee makers, or other water-fed equipment until the water runs clear to avoid contamination or damage.
The Electric Department also de-energized overhead lines, affecting customers on the north side of Ludington Street between North 16th Street and North Lincoln Road. Crews are working to restore power as quickly as possible.
Officials have closed the roads leading to the restaurant, and motorists are advised to find alternate routes. WZMQ 19 will provide more details on this story as it develops.
