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

ESCANABA — The Bonifas Fine Arts Center was damaged in a fire Thursday night, according to Escanaba Public Safety officers. Officers were dispatched to the arts center, located at 700 1st Ave. S., Escanaba, 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.

For more fire coverage see Saturday’s Daily Press and www.dailypress.net