R. R. Branstrom/Daily Press Buildings on the premises of Brute Industries/Race Ramps burn before the fire jumped to nearby parked school buses.

ESCANABA — A massive fire Thursday destroyed an industrial site in Escanaba. Calls came through Delta County Central Dispatch about noon that a structure at 2003 23rd Ave. N. — right near the base of the water tower by the border of North Escanaba and Wells — was ablaze. Before emergency personnel even arrived, the building was engulfed.

Race Ramps, a producer of vehicle ramps and cribs, was listed at the address. Responders had to exercise caution due to explosive materials at the site. As heavy, dark smoke poured southeast from the building, obscuring roadways and the sky in some areas, an “extreme” emergency alert was issued at 1:12 p.m. As the smoke was potentially carrying hazardous particles, people in its path were told to shut down air handling systems, close windows and other openings and avoid smoke exposure. A second alert informed people that the air was safe after 1:50 p.m.

Neighboring the Race Ramps site to the south is the Escanaba Area Schools bus depot. Although Gene’s Towing was called to get buses out of harm’s way and some were moved, the fire still leapt and damaged a couple of school vehicles. At least two power poles also caught fire.

The City of Escanaba notified residents that water may run dirty in areas near the fire but running the tap for five to 10 minutes should clear it up. If dirty water persisted, citizens could contact the Water Department.

Firefighters doused affected buildings, vehicles and equipment and were able to clear the location by about 5:30 p.m. The nearby Master Electric was not harmed. At reporting time, cause of the fire was not known. No injuries were reported.

In a later news release, Escanaba Public Safety cited the assistance of the Delta County Sheriff’s Office, Wells Township Volunteer Fire Department, Escanaba Township Volunteer Fire Department, Ford River Township Fire Department, Bark River Township Fire Department, Gladstone Public Safety, Michigan State Police, Rampart, Gene’s Towing, DTE Energy, City of Escanaba Electric Department, City of Escanaba Water Department, City of Escanaba Public Works, National Weather Service, Red Cross, Escanaba Schools Transportation Department, the Department of Natural Resources, Delta County Central Dispatch and Delta County Emergency Manager.