An apartment building on US41 in Stephenson was heavily damaged in a fire Sunday afternoon.

Stephenson Fire reports the blaze was initially reported by members of neighboring Mid-County Rescue Squad.  Personnel from the rescue squad, Michigan State Police – Iron Mountain post, and a passerby from a neighboring establishment took immediate action to notify and remove occupants from the apartment building.

Stephenson Fire was dispatched at 5:30 PM and activated the Mutual Aid Box Alarm System (MABAS) to bring in additional resources from neighboring fire departments.

Firefighters worked to extinguish blaze for nearly 90 minutes. Fire originated on rear exterior side of building. Cause of fire is believed to be smoldering cigarette butts.

Assisting agencies included Daggett and Mellen Fire Departments, Michigan State Police – Iron Mountain, Menominee County Sheriff’s Office + Victim Services Unit, Mid-County Rescue, Hermansville Rescue, Stephenson DPW, and Menominee County 911.