Around 10 a.m. on Saturday -- some five hours after a fire -- Harbor Tower in Escanaba is shown. Very minimal damage is visible from the exterior, but a few apartments sustained smoke and water damage. (R. R. Branstrom | Daily Press)

ESCANABA — Harbor Tower, Escanaba’s tallest building and a subsidized housing facility with 175 units, experienced a fire on Saturday morning. Though it was controlled quickly, two people sustained injuries, according to a press release from the City of Escanaba Public Safety Department (EPSD).

The department was dispatched to Harbor Tower before daybreak on Feb. 28 following smoke alarm activation and reports of a smell of smoke.

“Upon arrival, officers quickly located the source of the fire and intiatiated an interior fire attack. The fire was brought under control in a short amount of time, preventing further damage and ensuring the safety of residents,” the press release stated.

Tenants were evacuated during the incident, but most were able to return to their apartments.

“Plans were made to open up a temporary shelter at the Escanaba Civic Center and to transport residents there using DATA transport units and/or Escanaba Area Public School busses. However, that facility was not needed, nor were the transport services as residents were able to remain in portions of the Harbor Tower facility during the incident,” wrote Delta County Emergency Management in a Facebook post.

Two people were injured – one EPSD officer and one civilian.

Due to smoke and water damage, some residents have been temporarily displaced, and the Red Cross is assisting those individuals.

EPSD expressed gratitude to the assisting agencies and partners, which included Delta County Central Dispatch, Rampart EMS, the American Red Cross, Delta County Sheriff’s Office, Delta County Search and Rescue, RTF, DATA, Delta County Emergency Management, Ford River Fire Department, Escanaba Township Fire Department, Michigan State Police, the Escanaba Civic Center, the City of Escanaba Water and Electric Departments and DTE Energy.

“This incident highlights the strength of coordinated emergency response and the dedication of public safety personnel committed to protecting our community,” EPSD’s release concluded.

Additional information will be announced when available.