Fast-Moving Fire Destroys Buildings in Downtown Alpena, MI

ALPENA, MI – Three downtown businesses and two apartments were destroyed in a fast-moving fire that broke out Wednesday afternoon in downtown Alpena, authorities said.

The fire was reported at 3:26 p.m. in the 800 block of Chisholm Street, according to a news release from the Alpena Fire Department. Due to extreme heat and heavy smoke, firefighters were unable to reach the fire and moved to a defensive strategy, which involved demolition. Crews battled the fire and hotspots until 9:45 p.m. No injuries were reported.

“Today was a very difficult day for our community, as the incident resulted in the loss of three businesses and two apartments,” said Alpena Fire Chief Andy Marceau. “While the outcome is heartbreaking, I want to emphasize that the men and women of the Alpena Fire Department did everything possible to save those properties and limit further damage under extremely challenging conditions.”

The businesses affected are Sports Page Sports Bar, Lucky Rabbit Tattoo and The Pampered Paw. The buildings are a complete loss.

Lucky Rabbit announced that they will be working out of Under the Gun Tattoo for now.

“It was hell, but everyone is safe,” Lucky Rabbit Tattoo said on Facebook. “There’s gonna be a curve — we lost every tool we own today and we’re limping away from a space that we loved. Might need a little patience as we patch it all back together."

Pampered Paw shared that they lost their appointment book, computer, work cell phone, and all tool and supplies in the fire.

“Many of you may have seen or heard, the entire building in which the salon was situated burned to the ground earlier this evening,” Pampered Paw said on Facebook. “My condolences to those others who have been effected by this tragic destruction.”

Sports Page was a decades-old family-owned business that claimed to be one of the oldest bars in Michigan.

“This loss is more then just a business or a bar,” Sports Page said on Facebook. “Part of the Sport Page was the people who made that bar their own. And now....its gone.”

It’s unclear how the devastating fire started. An investigation is ongoing.

Shortly after leaving the station, firefighters spotted a large column of smoke coming from the fire. Upon arrival, they encountered heavy smoke coming from a window of an apartment in a building next to John Boy’s Restaurant. Nearby buildings were evacuated.

Fire crews began an aggressive interior attack. A team advanced up the rear stairwell to reach the fire. At the same time, another crew laddered the adjacent building and attempted to access upstairs apartments through windows. Both teams encountered extreme heat and heavy smoke and were unable to reach the fire.

The fire quickly spread into an adjoining building through shared attic space.

Deteriorating conditions thwarted repeated attempts to access the fire, leading to a defensive strategy. Bedrock Contracting and Excavating assisted with structural demolition to gain access and support fire suppression efforts.

Twenty-seven firefighters battled the fire. It was eventually brought under control and extinguished. All units cleared the scene at 9:45 p.m.

The Alpena Fire Department was assisted at the scene by the Alpena Combat Readiness Training Center Fire Department, Alpena Township Fire Department, MyMichigan EMS, Alpena City Police Department, Alpena Power Company, DTE Energy, Alpena County Central Dispatch, Alpena County Emergency Management, City DPW, Alpena County Sheriff’s Department, and the Michigan State Police.

The following businesses provided food, hot drinks and a place for firefighters to rest during the incident: JJ’s, Jon Benson, Players Pub & Grub, the Salvation Army and McInerney Chrysler Dodge.

“We are deeply appreciative of the continued support from our community and extend our sincere sympathy to the business owners affected by this fire,” Marceau said. “While we are disappointed that we were unable to save all of the buildings involved, our firefighters worked tirelessly and gave every effort to protect surrounding properties.”

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