ESCANABA, MI — A historic hotel in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula has suffered significant damage after a fire broke out and quickly spread.

A burning smell coming from House of Ludington , built in 1864, was reported around 10:33 a.m. Friday, Dec. 5, Escanaba Department of Public Safety officials said.

Responders initially found no signs of fire using a thermal imager while searching the main floor and basement. The search continued on the second and third floors and around the outside of the House of Ludington, which is located at 223 Ludington St.

While inspecting the outside of the building, they found white smoke coming from a dormer above the main entrance. At the same time, they discovered a storage room on the third floor filling with smoke.

Staff and hotel residents were quick

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