Daily Press Photo Daily Press Firefighters battle a blaze the Bonifas Fine Arts Center in Escanaba Thursday night.

ESCANABA — An Escanaba cultural landmark was damaged by fire this week. According to Escanaba Public Safety, the fire was reported Thursday night at the William Bonifas Fine Arts Center. Officers were dispatched to the arts center, located at 700 1st Ave. S. after receiving a fire alarm at 10:21 p.m.

When officers arrived at the scene, they could smell and see smoke coming from the building. They began to fight the blaze and attempted to locate the fire inside the building through heavy smoke. The fire was located and extinguished.

Efforts then focused on clearing the smoke from and salvaging the building.

Officers did not state the extent of damage or if any of the artwork inside was damaged. The source of the fire was also not released.

Escanaba Public Safety would like to thank the following for their assistance during the fire: Delta County Central Dispatch, Ford River Fire Department, Escanaba Township Fire Department, Delta County Sheriff’s Department, DTE, Escanaba Electric Department and the staff of the Bonifas Fine Arts Center.

Incorporated in 1974 through the efforts of various arts groups including the Bay Area Art Association and the Players de Noc Community Theatre, the William Bonifas Fine Arts Center has become a regional hub for cultural activities and educational programs. In 1990 and again in 2007, the Center was awarded the prestigious “Governor’s Arts Award” for arts organizations with a budget of under $1 million.