UPDATE: Cliffs building catches fire in Negaunee Township

Negaunee Township firefighters battled flames at Cliffs Natural Resources’ track maintenance building this afternoon.

Officials say the fire started around 2:45 p.m. in Eagle Mills’ Building #4 near the intersection of M-35 and County Road 492 in Negaunee Township. Eyewitnesses reported seeing the structure fully engulfed in flames. The Marquette Township and Negaunee Fire Departments were called in for additional support.

Cliffs officials say the building contains small equipment that helps maintain the railroad tracks. There was one employee working in the area at the time of the fire, but they were evacuated safely without injury. Cliffs says the fire has since been contained, but the cause is still unknown. Railroad operations to and from the Tilden and Empire mines will not be impacted

The incident remains under investigation.

Marquette County Rescue 131 also assisted at the scene.