No injuries reported in Escanaba structure fire, official cause unconfirmed
ESCANABA, Mich. (WLUC) – UPDATE: On Wednesday morning, Escanaba Central Dispatch answered a call about a fire at U.P. Towing and Recycling on 9th Avenue North.
One resident named Tyler Beauvais says his friend called him after hearing explosions.
“She said there were explosions going off and there was smoke everywhere billowing,” Beauvais said. “She didn’t say how many went off; there were at least two, but I didn’t believe her. Then, I came here and I saw the fire trucks. It’s pretty crazy.”
The Escanaba Department of Public Safety said Thursday morning that the structure was a complete loss.
Multiple agencies responded to the fire. Escanaba Public Safety director John Gudwer described the scene when he got there.
“The building was fully engulfed,” Gudwer said. “We were advised that there were multiple propane tanks and other tanks inside the building. Our focus was to save the building on the other side. We were able to do that, but there were loud explosions and debris flew everywhere.”
The department says there are no confirmed injuries at this time. One side of the building was completely burned down.
One of the employees at U.P. Towing & Recycling says he believes he may have accidentally started the fire.
He didn’t want to be filmed. He says he was draining a fuel tank and believes sparks from a drill ignited.
Investigators have not confirmed this yet, but people nearby tell me they stepped outside to watch.
The owner of Richardson Jewelers, Jeff Richardson, says he still remembers the shock he felt.
“We all ran outside to see what it was,” Richardson said. “We looked to the west here of the building and behind the storage buildings. It was pretty bad. We heard some popping sounds and trucks all over.”
A nearby worker says she was relieved to hear no one was hurt.
“From what we understand, there were propane tanks and oil drums that were in the garage,” Bay Title & Abstract Inc. Title Examiner Jenny Harris said. “It’s really good that nobody got hurt.”
Law enforcement says the investigation is still ongoing as they continue to look into what caused the fire.
We will continue to follow this to bring you the latest information.
Last Published 7/23/25 at 3:31 PM
Responding agencies are on scene for a structure fire at a business in Escanaba.
Escanaba Central Dispatch confirmed a large structure fire at U.P. Towing and Recycling on 9th Ave. N. in Escanaba.
Escanaba city officials are also warning of possible dirty water on North Lincoln Road between the Fairgrounds and Ludington Street caused by the fire.
They are asking restaurants and other food service establishments to refrain from using soda fountains, ice machines, coffee makers, and other water-fed beverage or food equipment until the water runs clear, to avoid contamination or equipment damage if the water is discolored.
If dirty water persists, contact the City of Escanaba Water Department at (906) 786-3291.
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