UPDATE: Fire crews respond to blaze

HOUGHTON — The damage to this building is extensive, but it’s easy to imagine what could have happened had the fire that burned here over the weekend not been contained.

This was the scene Friday night shortly after 9:00pm when crews from the Houghton, Hancock, Hurontown and Stanton Fire Departments managed to put out the blaze before either of the adjacent buildings caught fire.

The building at 511 Shelden Avenue contains two local businesses and some apartments. Fortunately, no one was hurt. Given the close proximity of the structures and the materials they are made with, a fire in a downtown building has the potential of doing severe damage to the historic district.

That didn’t happen here thanks to the combined efforts of the local volunteer fire departments, even with some personnel attending a firefighter’s tournament.

State Police Fire Investigator Dale Hillier met with Houghton Fire Chief Mike Reynolds to discuss the fire but the actual investigation won’t get underway until later this week.

The cause of the fire is still undetermined at this time.

UPDATE — Monday, August 1st, 2016 (EDT)

Officers from the Houghton Police Department report that the fire marshal has been called in to investigate the fire on the 500 block of Shelden Avenue that began shortly after 9:00 p.m. Friday.

The Houghton Fire Department will issue further details after the fire marshal’s investigation is complete. No injuries were reported during the fire.

The Houghton Fire Department was assisted at the scene by the Hancock, Hurontown, and Stanton Fire Departments. The Michigan State Police, Michigan Tech Police Services, Hancock Police, Houghton County Sheriff’s Department, and Mercy Ambulance also assisted.

HOUGHTON — A fire broke out in downtown Houghton Friday evening.

Fire crews responded to the area around LB’s Chill & Grill on Shelden Avenue. Flames could be seen coming from the rear of the building next to the restaurant. Smoke from the blaze could be seen clear across the Portage Canal.

Crews are still currently on scene. There’s been no word of any injuries at this time. We will bring you more information as it becomes available.