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 on 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.

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.

The aftermath of Thursday's fire was destroyed buildings and at least one charred telephone pole. (Courtesy photo)

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 at 906-786-3291.

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.

A man stands near the fence between the Escanaba Area Schools bus depot and an industrial building at 2003 23rd Ave. N., which was engulfed in fire about noon Thursday. This image was shot at 12:27 p.m. (R. R. Branstrom | Daily Press)

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.

A Delta County Sheriff's deputy speaks to the driver of a DTE Energy truck on N. 19th Road in Escanaba as actions are taken to mitigate danger during an industrial fire around the corner Thursday afternoon. (R. R. Branstrom | Daily Press)

A school bus is shown burned after a fire that began Thursday afternoon at Race Ramps in Escanaba jump to the neighboring bus depot. (Courtesy photo)

A view from First Avenue South on the border of Wells Township and the City of Escanaba shows thick, dark smoke from a fire at 2003 23rd Ave. N. on Thursday. (R. R. Branstrom | Daily Press)

Emergency alerts were issued to devices in the area of an industrial site fire Thursday in Escanaba.