VIDEOS: A fire severely damaged part of the Bonifas Arts Center in downtown Escanaba late Thursday night. Escanaba Public Safety says it was called to the center at 10:21 p.m. for a fire alarm. Arriving officers could smell and see smoke coming from the building. Officers immediately began deploying attack lines and tried to find the fire inside the building through heavy smoke.
Flames were spotted in the attic of the centerโs theater after first responders entered the building and ascended a catwalk. The floor of the theater was filled with water as crews worked to stop the fire from spreading. No one was inside the center at 700 1st Ave. South when the fire was reported. No injuries were reported. The fire started after a thunderstorm moved through the area, so lightning is a potential cause, but Escanaba Public Safety says the actual cause is unknown at this time pending investigation. Escanaba Public Safety thanked the Delta County Central Dispatch, Ford River Fire Department, Escanaba Township Fire Department, Delta County Sheriffโs Office, DTE, Escanaba Electric Department and staff of the Bonifas Arts Center.
